Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 6:5

"Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;" — Ephesians 6:5 (ASV)

Slaves are to obey their masters whether they are good or bad. They are only “earthly” masters. The Christian slave has a heavenly Lord to whom he owes supreme allegiance. Because of this overriding relationship slaves can bear the burden of their servitude with equanimity, for in reality, they are free in the Lord.

“Respect and fear” must not be confused with craven servility but represent a sense of one’s shortcomings and a desire not to make any mistake. “Sincerity” (GK 605) is the opposite of duplicity in thought or action. It implies openness and concentration of purpose, especially in the context of generosity. The Christian slave has one goal before him: to obey his human master as an expression of his commitment to the divine Lord.