Topical Bible: Servants: Duties of, to Masters: Not to Answer Them Rudely

◄ Servants: Duties of, to Masters: Not to Answer Them Rudely ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between servants and masters is addressed with specific instructions regarding the conduct expected of servants. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of respect, humility, and obedience in the servant-master relationship, reflecting broader principles of Christian behavior and submission to authority.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on the demeanor servants should maintain towards their masters. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses this relationship in his epistles, underscoring the importance of respectful and courteous behavior. In Titus 2:9, Paul instructs, "Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative" . This passage highlights the expectation that servants should not engage in disputes or respond rudely to their masters, but rather strive to be agreeable and cooperative.

Similarly, in Ephesians 6:5-6, Paul writes, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 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" . Here, the emphasis is on serving with a sincere heart, as if serving Christ Himself, which inherently excludes any form of rudeness or disrespect.

Theological Implications

The call for servants to refrain from answering rudely is rooted in the broader Christian ethic of humility and submission. This ethic is not limited to the servant-master relationship but extends to all interactions among believers. The principle of treating others with respect and kindness is a reflection of the love and humility demonstrated by Christ. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" .

Practical Application

For servants, the practical application of these biblical principles involves a conscious effort to maintain a respectful and courteous attitude, even in challenging circumstances. This includes avoiding argumentative or disrespectful language and instead choosing words and actions that reflect a Christ-like character. By doing so, servants not only honor their earthly masters but also bear witness to their faith and commitment to God's commands.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, the servant-master relationship was a common social structure, and the biblical instructions provided a framework for maintaining harmony and order within this system. The emphasis on respectful conduct served to promote peace and stability, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in all areas of life.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for servants to avoid answering their masters rudely is a timeless principle that underscores the importance of respect, humility, and obedience in all relationships. By adhering to these teachings, servants honor God and exemplify the transformative power of the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:9
Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Praise of Men.
... on good men singly as instruments and servants of God ... We cannot serve two masters
who are enemies the ... trained into forgetfulness of religious duties, that they ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... deep." "The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, and none of ... "The Sabbath was
made for man, not man for ... Man himself masters the forces of nature, and as he ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Morality and Doctrine
... The true religion teaches our duties; our weaknesses, pride ... For, when the passions
become masters, they are ... things; when he reproves his servants, he desires ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm

Of Preparation.
... to sacrifice Isaac his son, left his servants beneath in ... Thus far of the duties to
be done at the ... to thy parents, ministers, magistrates, masters, or tutors. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
... out of it, and have none but servants, day-labourers ... charges, and discharge their
rich masters, who own all ... ornaments, and other accustomed duties pertaining to ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/directions to church-wardens &c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... "Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and ... necklaces, bracelets, rings, and
ear-rings, and their camels also were not behind their masters in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... Papinian, Ulpian, and others second only to these masters. ... brethren, the two are
fellow-servants; no difference ... In business, in official duties, in trade, in ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... arrived at some place than the servants scoured the ... Euphrates and Orontes, and made
themselves masters of one ... payment of taxes and custom-house duties, went to ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... of thy beauteous sepulchre, to the dead men's bones that are within; nor can any
of thy most holy duties, nor all ... I answer, But there are not two ways to ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... men's bones that are within; nor can any of thy most holy duties, nor all ... Perhaps
thou wilt say, righteousness pleaseth God: But I answer no, not thine, with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm