Seventh, the slave should have an attitude of goodwill toward his or her master. He should serve for the master"s welfare. Such good will "does not wait to be compelled." [1] This kind of service is to be done as to the Lord, not as if to the Lord. The Lord is the One whom the Christian slave really serves as well as the earthly master. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 6:1-12 - Children And Parents Servants And Masters
Where our religion is true, it will affect every relationship in life. The love of Christ must find its manifestation in nursery and in kitchen, in workshop and in municipal chamber. But notice that its duties are reciprocal. We must give on our side, just as we expect others to give on theirs.
The first duty of children is obedience. They must be taught to obey because it is right, and their conscience bears witness to the rightness. Never plead with a child to do what is right, nor bribe it by a reward. Take your stand on that primeval sense of right and wrong, which is the foundation of morals and will be the stay of the child's whole after-life, when once its supremacy is established. But parents should help their children by removing irritation or passion from their own speech. Slaves formed a large proportion of the early Church. Their obedience must be explicit, and they were taught to believe that Christ took their faithful service to their earthly owner as service to Himself. But masters must ever deal with their servants as liable to be called to account by the great Master of all. The center of all authority is Christ, and He will demand an account of our treatment of every servant He has sent into our homes. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 6
1The duty of children toward their parents; 5of servants toward their masters 10Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies 13The complete armor of a Christian; 18and how it ought to be used 21Tychicus is commended
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 6:7
With good will [μετ ευνοιας] Not in Colossians. Old word from ευνοος eunoos only here in N.T. as ευνοεω eunoeō is in N.T. only in Matthew 5:25. [source]
With good-will [] Bengel quotes Xenophon: “The slave that is a steward must have good-will if he is to on thy place adequately.” Compare Colossians 3:23. [source]
Colossians 3:23Heartily [εκ πσυχης] From the soul and not with mere eye service. In Ephesians 6:7 Paul adds μετ ευνοιας met' eunoias (with good will) in explanation of εκ πσυχης ek psuchēs As unto the Lord (ως τωι Κυριωι hōs tōi Kuriōi). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true! [source]
What do the individual words in Ephesians 6:7 mean?
withgood willrendering serviceasto theLordandnotto men
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 6:7
Not in Colossians. Old word from ευνοος eunoos only here in N.T. as ευνοεω eunoeō is in N.T. only in Matthew 5:25. [source]
Bengel quotes Xenophon: “The slave that is a steward must have good-will if he is to on thy place adequately.” Compare Colossians 3:23. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 6:7
Lit., from the soul. With a personal interest. Note that the apostle uses both heart ( καρδίας , Colossians 3:22) and soul ( ψυχῆς ); and in Ephesians 6:7, adds μετ ' εὐνοίας withgood disposition (A.V., good will ). See on Romans 11:3; see on Romans 7:23; see on Romans 1:21. Compare σύμψυχοι ofone accord, Philemon 2:2; ἰσόψυχον like-minded Philemon 2:20; μιᾷ ψυχῇ withone mind, Philemon 1:27. [source]
From the soul and not with mere eye service. In Ephesians 6:7 Paul adds μετ ευνοιας met' eunoias (with good will) in explanation of εκ πσυχης ek psuchēs As unto the Lord (ως τωι Κυριωι hōs tōi Kuriōi). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true! [source]