A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 6:1

"Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed." — 1 Timothy 6:1 (ASV)

Under the yoke (υπο ζυγον). As slaves (δουλο, bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1 Peter 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:5; Titus 2:9. See Mt 11:29 for Christ's "yoke" (ζυγον, from ζευγνυμ, to join).

Their own masters (τους ιδιους δεσποτας). That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot" is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave (δουλος), while κυριος has a wider outlook. Old word only here, Titus 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 Peter 2:18 for human masters. Applied to God in Lu 2:29; Acts 4:24,29 and to Christ in 2 Peter 2:1.

The name of God (το ονομα του θεου). See Ro 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with ινα μη and present passive subjunctive (βλασφημητα).