In the biblical context, the relationship between masters and servants is addressed with specific instructions, particularly when both parties are believers in Christ. The duty of masters toward their servants is not merely one of authority and oversight but also of respect and esteem, especially when the servants are fellow believers, or "saints."

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides guidance on how Christian masters should treat their servants. In 1 Timothy 6:2 , Paul instructs, "Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect because they are brothers. Instead, they should serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them." This passage highlights the mutual respect and love that should characterize the relationship between Christian masters and their believing servants.

Esteeming Servants Highly

The call to esteem servants highly is rooted in the recognition of their shared faith and identity in Christ. In Philemon 1:16 , Paul writes about Onesimus, a servant, urging Philemon to receive him "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother." This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends social and economic distinctions, urging masters to view their servants as equals in the faith.

Equality in Christ

Galatians 3:28 underscores the equality of all believers: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This theological truth compels masters to treat their servants with dignity and honor, recognizing them as co-heirs of the grace of life.

Practical Implications

The duty to esteem servants highly involves practical actions. Masters are called to provide fair treatment, just compensation, and a respectful working environment. Colossians 4:1 exhorts, "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." This verse reminds masters of their accountability to God, who is the ultimate Master of all.

Servant Leadership

The concept of servant leadership, modeled by Christ Himself, is a guiding principle for masters. Jesus taught in Matthew 20:26-28 , "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Masters are thus encouraged to lead with humility and a servant's heart, prioritizing the well-being of their servants.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for masters to esteem their servants highly, especially if they are saints, is a profound expression of Christian love and unity. It challenges societal norms and calls for a radical redefinition of relationships based on the transformative power of the Gospel.Philemon 1:16
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... Besides this, it is our duty before the world to ... and should have a paternal heart
toward their subordinates ... be glad that they may obtain masters and mistresses ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... it does the very opposite of its duty, as we ... is obedience of servants and workmen
toward their lords ... also says: "Servants, be subject to your masters, for the ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

Concerning the Scriptures.
... To be diligent in my duty, to do all to the glory ... when his face was turned by the
Lord toward Jerusalem, had ... do, may be sinful to me; for as masters will have ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm

V. ...
... to the first matter, of our duty to God ... how domestic servants should conduct themselves
toward their masters ... business to be subject to their masters, and have ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

Internal Affective Prayer of Contemplation Hath Always Been ...
... 2. But among all the late masters of pure ... without any good effect at all toward the
reformation ... exercise of charity whensoever necessity and duty requires it ...
/.../chapter vii internal affective prayer.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... he speaks here in an unrelated way, of our duty to make ... Be of the same mind one toward
another.". ... of society, there are as many beliefs as masters and servants. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Christian Behavior
... Then masters carry it rightly toward their servants, when they labour both in word
and life to convince them that the ... (Ephesians 6:6-9). THE DUTY OF WIVES. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Rom. vi. 5
... tried to shame them by a sense of duty, he alarms ... awestruck with the greatness of
His love toward man, and ... as it is, and become our own masters, and transfer ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi rom vi 5.htm

From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ...
... This duty he discharged to their entire satisfaction, doing ... to insure the confidence
of their masters and the ... health, feeling his mind drawn toward the people ...
/.../chapter 3 from the close.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... well weighed, what great love of the Father toward us in ... son; make me as one of thy
hired servants' (Luke 15 ... The same faith keeps us in our duty which we owe to ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

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