John Calvin 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)

It appears that, at the beginning of the gospel, slaves took heart, as if the signal had been given for their emancipation. Paul works hard in all his writings to repress that desire; indeed, the condition of slavery was so hard that we need not wonder it was extremely hateful.

Now, it is customary for people to seize, for the advantage of the flesh, anything that has the slightest appearance of being in their favor. Thus, when they were told that we are all brothers, they instantly concluded that it was unreasonable for them to be slaves to their brothers. But even if none of this had occurred to them, still, afflicted people always need consolation to lessen the bitterness of their suffering. Besides, it was difficult to persuade them to submit willingly and cheerfully to such a harsh yoke. This, then, is the purpose of the present teaching.

They who are slaves under the yoke. Because everyone entertains a false opinion of their own excellence, no one patiently endures others ruling over them. Those who cannot avoid it do, indeed, reluctantly obey their superiors, but inwardly they fret and rage because they believe they are being wronged.

The Apostle, with a single word, cuts off all disputes of this kind by demanding that all who live 'under the yoke' submit to it willingly. He means that they must not question whether they deserve that fate or a better one, for it is enough that they are bound to this condition.

When he enjoins them to esteem worthy of all honor the masters whom they serve, he requires them not only to be faithful and diligent in performing their duties but also to regard and sincerely respect them as people placed in a higher rank than themselves. No one gives either to a prince or to a master what is owed to them unless, recognizing the high position to which God has raised them, they honor them because they are subject to them. For, however unworthy of it they may often be, still the very authority that God bestows on them always entitles them to honor.

Besides, no one willingly serves or obeys their master unless they are convinced that they are obligated to do so. Therefore, it follows that subjection begins with that honor which Paul desires rulers to be considered worthy of.

That the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed. We are always too clever in our own defense. Thus, slaves who have unbelieving masters are quick to object that it is unreasonable for those who serve the devil to have dominion over the children of God. But Paul counters this argument, stating that they ought to obey unbelieving masters so that the name of God and the gospel may not be spoken evil of, as if God, whom we worship, incites us to rebellion, or as if the gospel makes those who ought to be subject to others obstinate and disobedient.