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659 B
659 B
be obedient to
"obey." This is a command. Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about working to please God whether as a slave or as a master. What Paul teaches here about slavery would have been surprising. In his time, masters were not expected to treat their slaves with respect and not threaten them.
your masters according to the flesh
"your human masters"
deep respect and trembling
The phrase "deep respect and trembling" uses two similar ideas to emphasize the importance of slaves honoring their masters.
and trembling
"and fear"
in the honesty of your heart
"with sincerity"