And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

The same things - mutatis mutandis. Show the same regard to God's will, and your servant's well-being, in relation to them, as they ought is relation to you. Love regulates the duties both of servants and masters, as the same light attempers various colours. Equality of nature and faith is superior to distractions of rank (Bengel). Christianity makes all men brothers (cf. Leviticus 25:42-3; Deuteronomy 15:12; Jeremiah 34:14, as to how the Hebrews were to treat brethren in service; much more ought Christians to act with love).

Threatening, [ teen (G3588)] - 'the threatening' which masters commonly use. "Masters" [ hoi (G3588) kurioi (G2962)] is not so strong a term as 'despots:' it implies authority, not absolute domination.

Your Master also. 'Aleph (') A B C Delta, Vulgate, read 'the Master both of them and you.' This more forcibly brings out the equality of slaves and masters in the sight of God. Seneca says, 'Whatever an inferior dreads from you, this a superior Master threatens yourselves with.' As you treat your servants, so will He treat you.

Neither is there respect of persons. He will not, in judging, acquit thee because thou art a master, or condemn him because he is a servant (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17). Derived from Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7.

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