In a literal sense, this relationship does not exist in our part of the world (although it exists elsewhere). From one point of view, slavery is the sad outcome of the old humanity, an expression of man’s callous indifference to his fellow humans.
Can grace operate in such a disagreeable situation and can the principles of the new humanity work there? Paul’s answer is yes, to both questions. No matter how difficult, and slaves would have no way of avoiding arduous demands from an unjust master, God’s grace could enable them to live for him there.
The only way to live in such a way is to put the Lord first and recognise that primarily one’s labour is done for him. There was probably a possibility of a slave in a Christian household, recognising the graciousness of his master, abusing his status by not performing his role. So a slave had to remember that the Lord saw the state of his heart and would know why and how his work was done.
Jesus wants his people to serve him wholeheartedly, and the service of slaves was measured by its completeness, by its sincerity, and by its fervency. There were to be no uncompleted tasks or sullen expressions. Furthermore, good work for an earthly master may not bring a reward from him for his Christian slaves, but such work will bring a great reward from Jesus when he returns – a share in his inheritance. Failure to do such work, however, will result in loss of aspects of that future life in God’s inheritance.
Masters are reminded that they too are accountable to Jesus for the way they treat their slaves. The implication is that Jesus will judge any master who is not just and fair with his slaves. I suppose the master could ask himself, ‘Would I like Jesus to treat me in the way that I treat my slaves?’
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