Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Paul now has a word for servants or slaves. Their servitute is further emphasized by the phrase “under the yoke.” About half the population of the Roman Empire in the first century was composed of slaves. This would undoubtedly have included Christian households (cf. the book of Philemon).

Slaves are admonished to give full respect to their masters. Paul was always concerned that the conduct of Christians should be such as to bring glory to God and not bring reproach on his name and on the Gospel.