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.
The use of the word "rather" contrasts "let them not despise them" and "do them service." Instead of using their spiritual relationship as a basis for less devotion, they should use it as a motivation for greater devotion. (See Ephesians 5:4.) As MacKnight paraphrases, "Wherefore, let them serve their masters more diligently, because they who enjoy the benefit of their services are believers and beloved of God" (462).