Because the law of Moses (Exo 21:2) did not allow Israelites to be made slaves for life, without their own consent, it seems the Judaizing teachers, with a view to allure slaves to their party, encouraged them in disobeying the commands, of their masters. This doctrine the apostle condemns here, as in his other epistles, (1 Corinthians 7:20-22; Colossians 3:22,) by enjoining Christian slaves to obey their masters, whether believers or unbelievers. Let servants Or slaves, rather; (see on Ephesians 6:5, and Colossians 3:22;) under the yoke Of heathen masters; count them worthy of all honour All the honour due from a servant to a master, and show it by their obedience and respectful behaviour. That the name of God God himself; and his doctrine The doctrine of the gospel; be not blasphemed That is, evil spoken of, as tending to destroy the political rights of mankind. And they that have believing masters Which for any to have is a great privilege; let them not despise them Pay them the less honour or obedience; because they are brethren In Christ, believers; and in that respect on a level with them. They that live in a religious community know the danger of this, and that greater grace is requisite to bear with the faults of a brother than of a man of the world, or even of an infidel. But rather do them service
Serve them so much the more diligently; because they are faithful Or believers, as πιστοι may be rendered; and beloved Of God; partakers of the benefit The common salvation. “Instead of encouraging slaves to disobedience, the gospel makes them more faithful and conscientious. And by sweetening the temper of masters, and inspiring them with benevolence, it renders the condition of slaves more tolerable than formerly. For, in proportion as masters imbibe the true spirit of the gospel, they will treat their slaves with humanity, and even give them their freedom, when their services merit such a favour.” Macknight. These things teach and exhort Thus Paul the aged gives young Timothy a charge to dwell upon practical holiness. Less experienced teachers are apt to neglect the superstructure, while they lay the foundation. But of so great importance did St. Paul see it to enforce obedience to Christ, as well as to preach faith in his blood, that after urging the life of faith on professors, (1 Timothy 6:12,) he even adds another charge for the strict observance of it, 1 Timothy 6:13, &c.