Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
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.