There is no respect] God neither esteems nor despises any man because of his outward condition and circumstances; for there is no respect of persons with him. Every man is, in the eye of God, what he is in his soul: if holy, loved; if wicked, despised and rejected.
Ver. 25. But he that doth wrong , etc.] Which may be understood, both of servants that do wrong to their masters through sloth and idleness, neglecting their business, embezzling their masters' goods, and defrauding them of their substance; and of masters that injure their servants by withholding from them proper food, and raiment; by cheating them of their wages, either giving them none at all, or too little, or detaining them too long, and by giving them bad language, and hard blows, and such like severe usage: shall receive for the wrong which he hath done ; either in this world, or in the other; God will avenge all such injuries, sooner or later; so that these words may be considered either as said with a view to deter servants from evil practices, or to comfort them under the maltreatment they may meet with from cruel masters: and there is no respect of persons . The Vulgate Latin and Arabic Versions add, with God; which undoubtedly is the sense; he regards not the rich more than the poor; he makes no difference between bond and free, the servant and the master; he will not take the part of the one, because he is a master, nor neglect, the other, because he is a servant, but will do that which is just and right with regard to them both; (see Gill on Ephesians 6:9).
. But it is submission, not to a severe lord or stern tyrant, but to her ow husband, who is engaged to affectionate duty. And husbands must love their wives with tender and faithful affection. Dutiful children ar the most likely to prosper. And parents must be tender, as well a childrenobedient. Servants are to do their duty, and obey their masters' commands, in all things consistent with duty to God their heavenly Master. They must be both just and diligent; without selfis designs, or hypocrisy and disguise. Those who fearGod, will be jus and faithful when from under their master's eye, because they know the are under the eye of God. And do all with diligence, not idly an slothfully; cheerfully, not discontented at the providence of God whic put them in that relation. And for servants' encouragement, let the know, that in serving their masters according to the command of Christ they serve Christ, and he will give them a glorious reward at last But, on the other hand, he who doeth wrong, shall receive for the wron which he hath done. God will punish the unjust, as well as reward the faithfulservant; and the same if masters wrong their servants. For the righteousJudge of the earth will deal justly between master an servant. Both will stand upon a level at his tribunal. How happy woul true religion make the world, if it every where prevailed, influence every state of things, and every relation of life! But the professio of those persons who are regardless of duties, and give just cause for complaint to those they are connected with, deceives themselves, a well as brings reproach on the gospel __________________________________________________________________
Shall receive (komisetai). See on 1 Pet. i. 8. Compare Eph. vi. 8. Respect of persons. See on Jas. ii. 1. In the Old Testament it has, more commonly, a good sense, of kindly reception, favorable regard. In the New Testament always a bad sense, which came to it through the meaning of mask which attached to proswpon face.
