Ephesians 6:1–9

Ephesians 6:1–9

The light of the disciple’s life and the disciple community shines brightest in the dark places. The domestic life of the ancient pagan’s home was a very dark place. After addressing husbands and wives at the end of chapter 5, Paul talks about two other relationships: parent-child and master-slave.

An ancient letter from a husband to his wife, who is expecting a child, might best illuminate the harsh and dark conditions of pagan parenting. After assuring her of his affection for her, he told her when the baby was born that if it was a boy to nurture it and if it were a girl to throw it away. Under Roman law, a father could do anything to his child, from brutal abuse to outright murder. The evil inflicted on children is hard to imagine. Into this dark world, Paul says the fathers are to “bring” up”—this Greek word means to cherish or nurture and carries very tender overtones—their children in the “discipline” and “instruction” of the Lord. We tend to think of ‘discipline’ as punishment, but that is a mistaken idea. Discipline means systematic training or education. What Paul is calling for is a loving, tender, thoughtful, and intentional plan to grow a child into spiritual maturity. Without Christ a father can be decent and nice but never a great father. A great father always leads his children to the heavenly Father.

If being a child was bad in ancient Rome, being a slave was worse. The slave was thought of as a speaking tool, with the rights and privileges of, say, a hammer. Roman law said that whatever a master did with the slave was both “legal and just.” Into this wicked, dark world, Paul tells slaves, even those whose masters are still cruel pagans, to lead lives of exemplary service. This advice is the opposite of what we might expect. Rather than advice to escape, liberate themselves, or rebel, Paul insists on complete obedience and superior service. This kind of life requires a level of trust that is rooted in the core of our being and in the ultimate authority of God. The circumstances may or may not change, but God will reward us. However, that reward may be the change that He works in us.

The old habits of slave owners who have recently become Christian might’ve been hard to break. But Paul in one phrase gives the motivation for this new behavior and at the same time undermines the institution of slavery. The slave and the master are equally slaves to and before the Lord. That statement of equality and stewardship means that the master will give an account of how he treats the Lord’s slave. Slavery died not because of economics but because of the moral impact of Christian disciples.

“Lord, direct my heart and affections that I will delight in bringing anyone to You our Father. AMEN”