Why are slaves mentioned in a list that gives directions to husbands, wives and children?  Unlike modern, western society the household of the ancient Roman empire included slaves.  Many slaves had become Christians and rumours abounded that Christian households were more disorganised than pagan ones.  Slaves didn’t know their place, wives usurped husbands and children were disobedient.  That was at least the propaganda.  The truth was that Paul wanted peace and harmony in the home.  His rules do not confine a person who is a slave to a life of slavery, it is just that a slave is to uphold peace and Christian virtue even in their role as slave. 

I have heard many sermons where the parallel is drawn between the directions given to slaves and how we are to behave at work.  Although we are meant to be peaceful and positive at work, the emphasis breaks up the passage.  The passage answers the question, “How should a Christian home be?”

How would you describe the roles played out regularly under your roof?

Ephesians 6: 1-9

¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^[a]

 ⁴ Fathers,^[b]do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 ⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, ⁸because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

 ⁹ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Questions

1. What roles are mentioned in this passage?
2. How does Paul tie new Christian conduct together with Jewish conduct?
3. Why are slaves included in this list?
4. What roles do people fulfil in your household?
5. How do you follow the directives above?