Most of the things that were said about slavery in the exegesis of Colossians (Colossians § 21) and Philemon apply to Ephesians as well. But though the Colossian code was directed specifically toward the need for order in the church, the code in Ephesians appears to be more general in nature and to conform to the writer’s concern that there be unity and understanding within the Christian community as believers seek to serve Christ within the guidelines of the principle of submission (5:21).

6:5 The slaves who are being addressed are Christians. This means that their life has a new center of reference and that their ultimate loyalty is directed toward the Lord, who puts new meaning into their earthly responsibilities. Consequently, they are to obey their earthly masters as though they wer…