Topical Bible: Servants: when Good are Brethren Beloved in the Lord

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In the biblical context, the term "servant" encompasses a range of meanings, from those who serve in a household or community to those who are devoted followers of God. The Bible presents a nuanced view of servanthood, emphasizing the dignity and worth of servants, especially when they are faithful and beloved in the Lord.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servanthood is often associated with humility and obedience. Servants are expected to be loyal and diligent in their duties. The Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," is frequently used to describe individuals who serve others, including God. For example, Moses is referred to as "the servant of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 34:5), highlighting his role as a faithful leader and mediator between God and the Israelites.

The Old Testament also provides laws to protect servants, ensuring their fair treatment. In Exodus 21:2, the Israelites are instructed: "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything" . This reflects a concern for justice and the recognition of the servant's dignity.

New Testament Context

The New Testament expands on the concept of servanthood, particularly through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a servant, as He declares in Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" . This self-sacrificial service is the model for all believers.

In the early Christian communities, servants who were faithful and good were regarded as brethren beloved in the Lord. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often addresses servants and masters, urging them to treat each other with respect and love. In Ephesians 6:5-9, Paul instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, "as you would obey Christ" , and masters to treat their servants well, knowing that both have the same Master in heaven.

The epistle to Philemon provides a poignant example of a servant who is a beloved brother in the Lord. Onesimus, a runaway slave, is described by Paul as "no longer a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ, illustrating the transformative power of the Gospel in redefining relationships.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of servanthood in the Bible underscores the equality and unity of all believers in Christ. Galatians 3:28 affirms this truth: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This unity transcends social and economic distinctions, emphasizing that all are equal before God.

Servants who are good and faithful are esteemed as brethren beloved in the Lord, reflecting the Christian ideal of mutual love and respect. This perspective challenges societal norms and calls believers to view each other through the lens of Christ's love and sacrifice.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical view of servanthood encourages believers to serve one another with humility and love, following the example of Christ. It calls for a re-evaluation of relationships, urging both those in positions of authority and those who serve to act with integrity and compassion.

The recognition of servants as brethren beloved in the Lord serves as a reminder of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their social status. It is a call to live out the Gospel in everyday interactions, fostering a community where love and service are paramount.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philemon 1:16
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Innocent, Bishop, to Presbyters and Deacons, and to all the Clergy ...
... to supply to those who are in distress, in order that the servants of Christ ... 967]
For it were more fitting, most honoured brethren, that good deeds should ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/innocent bishop to presbyters and.htm

Glorious Predestination
... angels, for what are they but ministering spirits, servants in our ... Now, brethren,
this word I say and send you home ... and to do according to his own good pleasure ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

Epistle xxxiii. To the Clergy and People, About the Ordination of ...
... There is nothing in which a confessor can do more good to the brethren than that ...
5. In such servants the Lord rejoices; in confessors of this kind He glories ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxxiii to the clergy.htm

Epistle Li. To the Brethren Going to England (Angliam) .
... To the Brethren going to England (Angliam) [1666 ... servant of the servants of God,
to the servants of our ... had been better not to have begun what is good than to ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle li to the brethren.htm

John Chapter xv. 14, 15
... 3. Let us, brethren, let us understand, and may the Lord ... that enableth us to serve
so as not to be servants. ... doeth; and who, when he doeth any good thing, is ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxv john chapter xv.htm

Epistle xx. Celerinus to Lucian.
... This, however, continually happens to the servants of God ... whom themselves you will
hear of their good works,"that ... to all my lords, your brethren the confessors ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xx celerinus to lucian.htm

The Lord Has Heard those Supplications which You, My Best Beloved ...
... the supplications of the rest of our brethren, who by ... aid has lifted His prostrate
and afflicted servants from the ... of those men I have thought good to publish ...
/.../lactantius/of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap i the lord has.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... 5. But the faithful and true servants of the ... Let us then, my beloved brethren, celebrate
with thanksgiving the ... and fastings, and discipline, and good works, we ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... Cain; but that, like faithful and good servants of the ... with the joy which arises
from good works, during ... may have health in the Lord, I pray, brethren beloved. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
... A deserved good name for anything but for godliness, lasts little ... Christians, not
as thy servants, but above servants, brethren beloved in the Lord (Philem. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/thirdly for thy actions.htm