Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 6:5-9

"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; not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him." — Ephesians 6:5-9 (ASV)

The duty of servants is summed up in one word: obedience. Servants in ancient times were generally slaves. The apostles were to teach servants and masters their duties, and in doing so, evils would be lessened until slavery could be rooted out by the influence of Christianity. Servants are to reverence those over them. They are to be sincere, not pretending obedience when they intend to disobey, but serving faithfully.

They must serve their masters not only when their master's eye is upon them, but they must also be strict in carrying out their duty when he is absent. A steadfast commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ will make people faithful and sincere in every position, not serving grudgingly or under compulsion, but from a principle of love for their masters and their masters' interests. This makes service easy for them, pleasing to their masters, and acceptable to the Lord Christ. God will reward even the most humble labor done from a sense of duty and with the aim of glorifying Him.

Here is the duty of masters: Act in the same way. Be just to your servants, as you expect them to be to you. Show similar goodwill and concern for them, and be careful in this to conduct yourselves in a way that is pleasing to God. Do not be tyrannical or overbearing. You have a Master to obey, and in relation to Christ Jesus, both you and they are only fellow servants.

If masters and servants would consider their duties to God, and the account they must soon give to Him, they would be more mindful of their duties to each other. In this way, families would be more orderly and happy.