Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 6:2

2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren : but rather do them service , because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit . These things teach and exhort .

Some Christians were Servants to Iews or Pagans who both came under the Gospel notion of Believers, as to these the Apostle had given directions in verse 1. Others served Masters and Mistrisses that were Christians. The Apostle not ignorant of Sathans devices, foresaw that the former would be under a temptation to neglect, and despise their Masters, or Mistresses, because they were Idolaters or of a false Religion, Enemies to the Gospel: and the latter under a temptation not to be so diligent, and serviceable as they should be, because their Governours in a spiritual sense were their Equals, their Brethren and Sisters, the Apostle here declares, that the Rule of the Gospel neither allow the one, nor the other; as to the former he had spoken, nor saith he let those that have Masters or Mistrisses that are Christians despise them, by which he means, not be equally obedient or serviceable to them, because there is a spiritual equality, or relation betwixt them.

But the rather do them service looking upon this as a farther obligation upon them.

Because they are Believers, such as love our common Lord, and are beloved of him, and such as all good Christians ought to love, being partakers of the gift of God Christ Iesus, and the great benefit of Redemption through his blood.

And he willeth Timothy to teach the Christians, at Ephesus, that this was the will of God and accordingly to call upon them for an obedience to it.

Marginal references: Or, believing.