Teks -- 1 Timothy 6:1-2 (NET)

6:1 Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.

Summary of Timothy’s Duties

6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach them and exhort them about these things.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - Under the yoke

Under the yoke ( hupo zugon ).

As slaves (douloi , bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1Pe 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1:1; Col 3:22; Eph 6:5; Tit 2:9. See note on Mat 11:29 for Christ’ s "yoke"(zugon , from zeugnumi , to join).

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - Their own masters

Their own masters ( tous idious despotas ).

That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot"is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave (doulos ), while kurios has a wider outlook. Old word only here, Tit 2:9; 2Ti 2:21; 1Pe 2:18 for human masters. Applied to God in Luk 2:29; Act 4:24, Act 4:29 and to Christ in 2Pe 2:1.

Robertson: 1Ti 6:1 - The name of God

The name of God ( to onoma tou theou ).

See Rom 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with hina mē and present passive subjunctive (blasphēmētai ).

Robertson: 1Ti 6:2 - Let not despise them

Let not despise them ( mē kataphroneitōsan ).

Negative imperative active third plural of kataphroneō , to think down on. See note on 1Ti 4:12. He must not presume on the equality of Christian brotherhood not allowed by the state’ s laws. Some of these Christian slaves might be pastors of churches to which the master belonged. For the difficulty of the Christian master’ s position, see note on 1Co 7:22; Phm 1:16.

Robertson: 1Ti 6:2 - But rather

But rather ( alla mallon ).

Render the Christian Master better service.

Robertson: 1Ti 6:2 - They that partake of the benefit

They that partake of the benefit ( hoi tēs energesias antilambanomenoi ).

For euergesias (genitive case after participle) see note on Act 4:9, only other N.T. example of this old word. Present middle participle of antilambanō , old verb, to take in turn, to lay fast hold of, in N.T. only here, Luk 1:54; Act 20:35.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - As many servants as are under the yoke

As many servants as are under the yoke ( ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι )

Incorrect. Rather, as many as are under the yoke as bondservants . As bondservants is added in explanation of under the yoke , which implies a hard and disagreeable condition. Yoke is used only here of the state of slavery. In Gal 5:1; Act 15:10, of the Mosaic law. See on Mat 11:29.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - Their own

Their own ( τοὺς ἰδίους )

Lit. private , personal , peculiar , as 1Co 3:8; 1Co 7:7. Sometimes strange , eccentric . Contrasted with δημόσιος public or κοινός common . See Act 4:32. Sometimes without emphasis, substantially = possessive pronoun, just as Lat. proprius passes into suus or ejus , or οἰκεῖος belonging to one's house into the simple one's own . See on Gal 6:10, and comp. Mat 22:5; Mat 25:14. In lxx commonly with the emphatic sense. Very often in the phrase κατ ' ἰδίαν privately , as Mar 4:34; Luk 9:10; Gal 2:2, but nowhere in Pastorals.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - Masters

Masters ( δεσπότας )

Comp. Tit 2:9, and see on 2Pe 2:1. Not in Paul, who styles the master of slaves κύριος Lord . See Eph 6:9; Col 4:1.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - Count

Count ( ἡγείσθωσαν )

Implying a more conscious, a surer judgment, resting on more careful weighing of the facts. See Phi 2:3, Phi 2:6.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:1 - Be not blasphemed

Be not blasphemed ( μη - βλασφημῆται )

Or be evil spoken of . See on blasphemy , Mar 7:22, and be evil spoken of , Rom 14:16; 1Co 10:30. Paul uses the word, but not in the active voice as in the Pastorals.

Vincent: 1Ti 6:2 - Partakers of the benefit

Partakers of the benefit ( οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι )

The verb means to take hold of ; hence, to take hold for the purpose of helping ; to take up for , as Luk 1:54; Act 20:35. o P. Ἑυεργεσία , benefit only here and Act 4:9. Better, kindly service . Rend. they that busy themselves in the kindly service . The reference is to the kindly acts which the masters do to their slaves; not to the benefits received by the slaves. Comp. Gal 5:13.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - Let servants under the yoke

Of heathen masters.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - Account them worthy of all honour

All the honour due from a servant to a master.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:1 - Lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed

As it surely will, if they do otherwise.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:2 - Let them not despise them

Pay them the less honour or obedience.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:2 - Because they are brethren

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 an infidel, or man of the world.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:2 - But rather do them service

Serve them so much the more diligently.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:2 - Because they are joint partakers of the great benefit

Salvation.

Wesley: 1Ti 6:2 - These things

Paul, the aged, gives young Timotheus a charge to dwell upon practical holiness. Less experienced teachers are apt to neglect the superstructure, whilst 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 strongly urging the life of faith on professors, he even adds another charge for the strict observance of it.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - servants

To be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - their own masters

The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - all honour

All possible and fitting honor; not merely outward subjection, but that inward honor from which will flow spontaneously right outward conduct (see on Eph 5:22).

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - that the name of God

By which Christians are called.

JFB: 1Ti 6:1 - blasphemed

Heathen masters would say, What kind of a God must be the God of the Christians, when such are the fruits of His worship (Rom 2:24; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10)?

JFB: 1Ti 6:2 - And

Rather, "But." The opposition is between those Christian slaves under the yoke of heathen, and those that have believing masters (he does not use the phrase "under the yoke" in the latter case, for service under believers is not a yoke). Connect the following words thus, "Let them (the slaves) not, because they (the masters) are brethren (and so equals, masters and slaves alike being Christians), despise them (the masters)."

JFB: 1Ti 6:2 - but rather, &c.

"but all the more (so much the more: with the greater good will) do them service because they (the masters) are faithful (that is, believers) and beloved who receive (in the mutual interchange of relative duties between master and servant; so the Greek) the benefit" (English Version violates Greek grammar). This latter clause is parallel to, "because they are brethren"; which proves that "they" refers to the masters, not the servants, as TITTMANN takes it, explaining the verb in the common sense (Luk 1:54; Act 20:35), "who sedulously labor for their (masters') benefit." The very term "benefit" delicately implies service done with the right motive, Christian "good will" (Eph 6:7). If the common sense of the Greek verb be urged, the sense must be, "Because they (the masters) are faithful and beloved who are sedulously intent on the benefiting" of their servants. But PORPHYRY [On Abstinence, 1.46] justifies the sense of the Greek verb given above, which also better accords with the context; for otherwise, the article "the," will have nothing in the preceding words to explain it, whereas in my explanation above "the benefit" will be that of the slaves' service.

JFB: 1Ti 6:2 - These things teach

(1Ti 4:11; Tit 2:15).

Clarke: 1Ti 6:1 - Let as many servants as are under the yoke

Let as many servants as are under the yoke - The word δουλοι here means slaves converted to the Christian faith; and the ζυγον, or yoke, is the state of slavery; and by δεσποται, masters, despots, we are to understand the heathen masters of those Christianized slaves. Even these, in such circumstances, and under such domination, are commanded to treat their masters with all honor and respect, that the name of God, by which they were called, and the doctrine of God, Christianity, which they had professed, might not be blasphemed - might not be evilly spoken of in consequence of their improper conduct. Civil rights are never abolished by any communications from God’ s Spirit. The civil state in which a man was before his conversion is not altered by that conversion; nor does the grace of God absolve him from any claims, which either the state or his neighbor may have on him. All these outward things continue unaltered. See the notes on Eph 6:5, etc.; and 1Co 7:21 (note), etc., and especially the observations at the end of that chapter.

Clarke: 1Ti 6:2 - And they that have believing masters

And they that have believing masters - Who have been lately converted as well as themselves

Clarke: 1Ti 6:2 - Let them not despise them

Let them not despise them - Supposing themselves to be their equals, because they are their brethren in Christ; and grounding their opinion on this, that in him there is neither male nor female, bond nor free; for, although all are equal as to their spiritual privileges and state, yet there still continues in the order of God’ s providence a great disparity of their station: the master must ever be in this sense superior to the servant

Clarke: 1Ti 6:2 - But rather do them service

But rather do them service - Obey them the more cheerfully, because they are faithful and beloved; faithful to God’ s grace, beloved by him and his true followers

Clarke: 1Ti 6:2 - Partakers of the benefit

Partakers of the benefit - Της ευεργεσιας αντιλαμβανομενοι· Joint partakers of the benefit. This is generally understood as referring to the master’ s participation in the services of his slaves. Because those who are partakers of the benefit of your services are faithful and beloved; or it may apply to the servants who are partakers of many benefits from their Christian masters. Others think that benefit here refers to the grace of the Gospel, the common salvation of believing masters and slaves; but Dr. Macknight well observes that ευεργεσια is nowhere used to denote the Gospel. One of Uffenbach’ s MSS. has εργασιας, of the service; this reading is plainly a gloss; it is not acknowledged by any other MS., nor by any version. FG, and the Codex Augustanus 6, have ευσεβειας, of godliness; a term by which the whole Gospel doctrine is expressed, 1Ti 4:7, 1Ti 4:8, as also in the 6th verse of this chapter (1Ti 6:6).

Calvin: 1Ti 6:1 - They who are slaves under the yoke // That the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed

It appears that, at the beginning of the gospel, slaves cheered their hearts, as if the signal had been given for their emancipation; for Paul labors hard, in all his writings, to repress that desire; and indeed the condition of slavery was so hard that we need not wonder that it was exceedingly hateful. Now, it is customary to seize, for the advantage of the flesh, everything that has the slightest appearance of being in our favor. Thus when they were told that we are all brethren, they instantly concluded that it was unreasonable that they should be the slaves of brethren. But although nothing of all this had come into their mind, still wretched men are always in need of consolation, that may allay the bitterness of their afflictions. Besides, they could not without difficulty be persuaded to bend their necks, willingly and cheerfully, to so harsh a yoke. Such, then, is the object of the present doctrine.

1.They who are slaves under the yoke Owing to the false opinion of his own excellence which every person entertains, there is no one who patiently endures that others should rule over him. They who cannot avoid the necessity do, indeed, reluctantly obey those who are above them; but inwardly they fret and rage, because they think that they suffer wrong. The Apostle cuts off, by a single word, all disputes of this kind, by demanding that all who live “under the yoke” shall submit to it willingly. He means that they must not inquire whether they deserve that lot 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 to regard and sincerely respect them as persons placed in a higher rank than themselves. No man renders either to a prince or to a master what he owes to them, unless, looking at the eminence to which God has raised them, he honor them, because he is subject to them; for, however unworthy of it they may often be, still that very authority which God bestows on them always entitles them to honor. Besides, no one willingly renders service or obedience to his master, unless he is convinced that he is bound to do so. Hence it follows, that subjection begins with that honor of which Paul wishes that they who rule should be accounted worthy.

That the name and doctrine of God may not be blasphemed We are always too ingenious in our behalf. Thus slaves, who have unbelieving masters, are ready enough with the objection, that it is unreasonable that they who serve the devil should have dominion over the children of God. But Paul throws back the argument to the opposite side, that they ought to obey unbelieving masters, in order that the name of God and the gospel may not be evil spoken of; as if God, whom we worship, incited us to rebellion, and as if the gospel rendered obstinate and disobedient those who ought to be subject to others.

Calvin: 1Ti 6:2 - Who have believing masters // They are believers and beloved // These things teach and exhort

2.Who have believing masters The name of brother may be thought to constitute equality, and consequently to take away dominion. Paul argues, on the contrary, that slaves ought the more willingly to subject themselves to believing masters, because they acknowledge them to be children of God, and are bound to them by brotherly love, and are partakers of the same grace. ¹¹⁶ It is no small honor, that God has made them equal to earthly lords, in that which is of the highest importance; for they have the same adoption in common with them; and therefore this ought to be no slight inducement to bear slavery with patience.

They are believers and beloved It is an additional argument, that slavery is much more easily endured under mild lords, who love us, and whom we love in return. There is also the bond of faith which binds very closely together those who are of different conditions.

These things teach and exhort He means that these are matters on the teaching of which he ought to dwell largely, and wishes that doctrine should be accompanied by exhortations. It is as if he had said, that this kind of instruction ought to be daily repeated, and that men need not only to be taught, but likewise to be roused and urged by frequent exhortations.

TSK: 1Ti 6:1 - servants // count // that the

servants : Deu 28:48; Isa 47:6, Isa 58:6; Mat 11:9, Mat 11:30; Act 15:10; 1Co 7:21, 1Co 7:22; Gal 5:1

count : Gen 16:9, Gen 24:2, Gen 24:12, Gen 24:27, 35-67; 2Ki 5:2, 2Ki 5:3, 2Ki 5:13; Mal 1:6; Act 10:7, Act 10:22; Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-25; Tit 2:9; 1Pe 2:17-20

that the : 1Ti 5:14; Gen 13:7, Gen 13:8; 2Sa 12:14; Neh 9:5; Isa 52:5; Eze 36:20,Eze 36:23; Luk 17:1; Rom 2:24; 1Co 10:32; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:8, Tit 2:10; 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 3:16

TSK: 1Ti 6:2 - believing // let // because they are brethren // because they are // faithful // partakers // These

believing : Col 4:1; Phm 1:10-16

let : Gen 16:4, Gen 16:5; Num 16:3; Mat 6:24; 2Pe 2:10; Jud 1:8

because they are brethren : 1Ti 5:1; Mat 23:8, Mat 25:40; Rom 8:29; Gal 3:26-29; Col 3:11

because they are : Gal 5:6; Eph 1:1, Eph 1:15; Col 1:2, Col 1:4, Col 3:12; 2Th 1:3; Phm 1:5-7

faithful : or, believing

partakers : Joe 2:28; Rom 11:17; Eph 3:6; Heb 3:1, Heb 3:14; 1Pe 5:1

These : 1Ti 4:11; Tit 2:1, Tit 2:15, Tit 3:8

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 1Ti 6:1 - Let as many servants as are under the yoke // Count their own masters worthy of all honour

1Ti 6:1,2 The duty of servants.

1Ti 6:3-5 Those who teach not according to the apostle’ s doctrine

are to be avoided, as corrupters of Christianity.

1Ti 6:6-8 The gain of godliness with content.

1Ti 6:9,10 The evil of covetousness.

1Ti 6:11-16 What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow and perform.

1Ti 6:17-19 A charge to the rich not to be proud and confident in

their riches, but to be beneficent and liberal.

1Ti 6:20,21 Timothy is enjoined to adhere to the true faith, and

to shun profane and vain controversies.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke under the yoke of servitude, not being manumised, or made free.

Count their own masters worthy of all honour abundant honour: let Christian servants give their masters, instead of less, double the honour which pagan servants do. That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed; for the credit of the gospel, and for the honour of God; that none may say that religion teacheth servants any disobedience, or breaketh the bands of civil relations: but on the contrary, that it obligeth professors to a more faithful and full discharge of such duties, servants to be the best of servants, &c.

Poole: 1Ti 6:2 - despise them // But rather do them service // Because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit // These things teach and exhort

Some Christians were servants to Jews or pagans, who both came under the gospel notion of believers; as to these the apostle had given directions in 1Ti 6:1 . Others served masters and mistresses that were Christians. The apostle, not ignorant of Satan’ s devices, foresaw that the former would be under a temptation to neglect and despise their masters or mistresses, because they were idolaters, or of a false religion, enemies to the gospel; and the latter under a temptation not to be so diligent and serviceable as they should be, because their governors in a spiritual sense were their equals, their brethren and sisters. The apostle here declares, that the rules of the gospel neither allow the one nor the other: as to the former he had spoken; nor, saith he, let those that have masters or mistresses that are Christians

despise them by which he means, not be equally obedient or serviceable to them, because there is a spiritual equality or relation between them.

But rather do them service looking upon this as a further obligation upon them.

Because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit because they are believers, such as love our common Lord, and are beloved of him, and such as all good Christians ought to love, being partakers of the gift of God, Christ Jesus, and the great benefit of redemption through his blood.

These things teach and exhort and he willeth Timothy to teach the Christians at Ephesus, that this was the will of God, and accordingly to call upon them for an obedience to it.

PBC: 1Ti 6:1

See GG: 19,38 September 19, 2004

PBC: 1Ti 6:2

1Ti 6:2

See OLB References

Haydock: 1Ti 6:1-2 - Lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed // Let them not despise them

Lest the name and doctrine of the Lord be blasphemed, or ill spoken of by infidels, when such as were converted refused to be servants. ---

Let them not despise them, &c. That is, they who were servants under Christian masters, ought to think themselves more happy on that account, being brethren, and partakers of the same benefit of faith and grace. (Witham) ---

If servants be insolent and disobedient, their infidel masters will blaspheme the Christian religion, as if that were the cause of their disrespectful behaviour. And let them not be arrogant, or aspire to an equality with their Christian masters, under pretence that the profession of the same religion makes them brothers; but rather serve them with greater submission and affection, as partakers of the benefit of the same faith, the same baptism, the same hope, &c. (Calmet)

Gill: 1Ti 6:1 - Let as many servants as are under the yoke // count their own masters worthy of all honour // that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed

Let as many servants as are under the yoke,.... Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of were under both; but "under the yoke of government", as the Arabic version renders it; that is, under the yoke of men, in a state of servitude, under the government of masters, and in their service; being either apprentices to them, or bought with their money, or hired by them:

count their own masters worthy of all honour; and give it to them; which includes subjection to them; obedience to all their lawful commands, which are consistent with religion and reason, with the laws of God, and with the light of nature; and all reverence of them, and respect unto them, expressed by words and gestures: and all this is to be given to their own masters to whom they belong; who have a property in them; whose money or goods they are; and that be they what they will, as to their religion and temper; whether they be believers or unbelievers; or whether they be good and gentle, kind and humane; or whether they be froward, peevish, and ill natured:

that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed; by unbelieving masters, who, should their believing servants be refractory, disobedient, rebellious, or disrespectful, would be apt to say, what a God do these men serve? is this their religion? is this the Gospel they talk of? does their doctrine teach them such things, to be disobedient to their masters, and carry it disrespectfully to them? does it disengage them from the laws of nature, and dissolve the bonds of civil society, and destroy the relation that subsists between man and man? If this be the case, away with their God and their doctrine too. Wherefore the apostle exhorts, that if believing servants have any regard to that name they are called by, and call upon, and to the doctrine of the Gospel they have embraced and professed; that they would be obedient and respectful to their masters; that they may have no occasion to speak reproachfully of God, and of the Gospel.

Gill: 1Ti 6:2 - And they that have believing masters // let them not despise them, because they are brethren // but rather do them service // because they are faithful // and beloved // partakers of the benefit // faithful and beloved // these things teach and exhort

And they that have believing masters,.... That believe in one God, in opposition to the Gentiles, that held many gods, and in Jesus Christ, in distinction from the Jews; who believed in him with the heart, and professed him with their mouths, and held the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. What is said before, is said to servants that had unbelieving masters; who would be ready to blaspheme, should they act amiss. Servants were under a snare both ways, through the insinuations of false teachers; who suggested, that their servitude was not consistent with their Christian liberty; that they ought not to serve wicked men, because being called of God, they were advanced above them; nor good men, because they were upon a level with them. But the apostle teaches another doctrine;

let them not despise them, because they are brethren; of the same family named of Christ, and of the same household of God, and of faith, and have the same father; for though with regard to spiritual blessings, privileges, and ordinances, they were equal; yet not with regard to temporal and civil affairs; and therefore should not treat them with less respect, or be more backward to obey their lawful commands, on that account:

but rather do them service; more heartily, and with a greater good will, as to the Lord; these masters belonging to him, and being engaged in his cause; which they, their servants, by yielding a cheerful obedience to them, are assisting in: and the rather,

because they are faithful; in lesser things, in giving to them, their servants, what is just and equal, proper food and suitable raiment, and their just wages; and in using their wealth and riches in a good way, for the interest of Christ, the assistance of the poor saints, and the spreading of the Gospel; and so in greater things, by holding fast the profession of their faith, adhering to Christ, his truths and ordinances: or "because they are believing, or believers"; it is the same word as before used; and therefore they should be precious to them, and high in their esteem; for faith is a precious grace, and such as have it are chosen of God, and precious:

and beloved; of God, who had chosen them to salvation; and of Christ, who had redeemed them by his blood; and of the saints, who are taught of God to love one another; and this is another reason why they should be served, and not despised; and a third follows:

partakers of the benefit; of the free grace of God; of redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, and of all spiritual blessings in him; and therefore should serve them the more cheerfully. The Syriac version renders it, "such as enjoy rest in", or "are refreshed by their service"; or "by their service to them", as the Arabic version: the sense is, that when believing servants serve their believing masters readily and faithfully, their masters are well pleased with them, delight in their service, and consider it as a benefit to them, and a kindness done them; and which therefore should animate and encourage them to serve them. Some understand these characters of

faithful and beloved, of the servants' themselves; that because they are such; therefore they should serve, and not despise their believing masters; and particularly the last clause, which may be rendered, "who in return receive a benefit from them", as food, raiment, and wages; and besides, they are used with humanity and kindness, and in a manner becoming Christians; to which agrees the Ethiopic version, which renders it, "who will receive and help you"; will take care of you, and assist you, and supply you with what is proper and necessary:

these things teach and exhort; the Syriac and Arabic versions add them; the servants. The apostle was not above instructing and exhorting persons of such a capacity, and in so low a state of life; and it became Timothy to do so likewise; and every minister of the word.