The duties of masters.
They needed to be instructed as well as their servants; for they had irresponsible power in their hands, and might be led to use it severely or cruelly.
I. THEIR DUTIES WERE RECIPROCAL. They were "to do the same things unto them"—not the same duties as servants were bound to do, but after the same manner, in obedience to God's command, with the same singleness of heart, and with the same heartiness and good will. They were to give their servants what "was just and equal." They were to treat them with justice and equity, with a full recognition of their rights. The apostle, however, demands something more than just treatment; masters are to forbear the threatening which was a too familiar feature of slavery. They are not to rule them with rigor or harshness, or even with displays of temper, but with gentleness, moderation, and kindness.
II. THE ARGUMENT TO ENFORCE THE DUTIES OF MASTERS, "Your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him?" He is the, Judge of master and servant alike, and will not respect either of them on account of their station in life, but will reward them justly according to their works. Both masters and servants, therefore, ought to have an eye to the presence of their great Master in heaven, ought to seek his glory, and pray for his assistance and acceptance.—T.C.