1 Timothy 6:1

“Let as many servants as are under the yoke, etc.] Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of were under both; but “under the yoke of government”, as the Arabic version renders it; that is, under the yoke of men, in a state of servitude, under the government of masters, and in their service; being either apprentices to them, or bought with their money, or hired by them: count their own masters worthy of all honour; and give it to them; which includes subjection to them; obedience to all their lawful commands, which are consistent with religion and reason, with the laws of God, and with the light of nature; and all reverence of them,…”

“EXHORTATIONS AS TO DISTINCTIONS OF CIVIL RANK; THE DUTY OF SLAVES, IN OPPOSITION TO THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF GAIN-SEEKERS; TIMOTHY'S PURSUIT IS TO BE GODLINESS, WHICH IS AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION: SOLEMN ADJURATION TO DO SO AGAINST CHRIST'S COMING; CHARGE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RICH. CONCLUDING EXHORTATION. (1Ti. 6:1-21) servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters. their own masters--The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not strangers, but their own masters whom they are required to respect. all…”

“Let as many servants - On the word here rendered “servants” - δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Ephesians 6:5. The word is that which was commonly applied to a slave, but it is so extensive in its signification as to be applicable to any species of servitude, whether voluntary or involuntary. If slavery existed in Ephesus at the time when this Epistle was written, it would be applicable to slaves; if any other kind of servitude existed, the word would be equally applicable to that. There is nothing in the word itself which essentially limits it to slavery; examine Matthew 13:27; Matthew 20:27; Mark 10:44; Luke 2:29; John 15:15; Acts 2:18; Acts 4:29; Acts 16:17; Romans 1:1; 2 Corinthians 4:5;…”

“Let servants under the yoke - Of heathen masters. Account them worthy of all honour - All the honour due from a servant to a master. Lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed - As it surely will, if they do otherwise. 1 Timothy 6:2”

“6:1 Both unbelieving and believing masters should be treated with respect, which will bring honor rather than shame to God’s name (see study note on 5:1–6:2).”

“servants: Deu 28:48; Isa 47:6, Isa 58:6; Mat 11:9, Mat 11:30; Act 15:10; Co1 7:21, Co1 7:22; Gal 5:1 count: Gen 16:9, Gen 24:2, Gen 24:12, Gen 24:27, 35-67; Kg2 5:2, Kg2 5:3, Kg2 5:13; Mal 1:6; Act 10:7, Act 10:22; Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-25; Tit 2:9; Pe1 2:17-20 that the: Ti1 5:14; Gen 13:7, Gen 13:8; Sa2 12:14; Neh 9:5; Isa 52:5; Eze 36:20, Eze 36:23; Luk 17:1; Rom 2:24; Co1 10:32; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:8, Tit 2:10; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 3:16 1 Timothy 6:2”