Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
In this section of the letter, Paul sets forth the influence a spiritual bond has in fleshly ties. Although that bond does not nullify the fleshly arrangement, it does mandate the type of attitude one should possess. It is interesting to note that Paul gives instruction to the master in a servant-master relationship when he writes to Philemon regarding Onesimus. Paul encourages Philemon (verse 16) to be considerate toward Onesimus who had become a brother. Philemon’s relationship changed significantly toward Onesimus subsequent to the servant’s conversion. In both his writings to Philemon and Timothy, Paul shows that one’s decision and actions should be influenced by the consciousness of his spiritual position.