There is much to unpack in these two little verses, but for the scope of this post, I will only cover two topics; being slaves and saints of Christ.
Slaves
Paul and Timothy called themselves “servants” of Christ. The Greek word for servant is doulos, and it means slave. In biblical times, a doulos was someone who belonged to another. John MacArthur defines it as “a person who was literally owned by a master who could legally force him to work without wages” (The Gospel According to Jesus).
New Testament writers often used that term to refer to their willing submission to the authority of God (James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, Jude 1:1, Revelation 1:1).
Doulos appears over 120 times in the New Testament, but it is mostly translated as servant or bondservant. Modern Bible translators didn’t use “slave” because it evokes dehumanizing practices such as the nineteenth-century transatlantic slave trade. Instead, they used softer words like servants and bondservants and adapted it to the context.
The ESV translation committee says, “where absolute ownership by a master is envisaged (as in Romans 6), ‘slave’ is used; where a more limited form of servitude is in view, ‘bondservant’ is used (as in 1 Corinthians 7:21-24); where the context indicates a wide range of freedom (as in John 4:51), ‘servant’ is preferred.”
But there are already several Greek words for servants. Paul even used one of them, diakonos (deacons), in the opening letter of Philippians. If New Testament writers meant servants, they would not have used doulos, which means absolute ownership by a master.
John MacArthur further writes, “Doulos speaks of slavery; pure and simple. It is not at all a hazy or uncertain term. It describes someone lacking personal freedom and personal rights whose very existence is defined by his service to another.”
And Steven Lawson says, “A slave is assigned an even lower position than a servant. In the first century, a servant would have owned a few possessions and have been protected by certain rights. He would have been hired for a certain project then was able to return to his normal life. But this was not the case with a slave. A slave actually belonged to his master like a piece of property. He did not have a life of his own. Further, a slave did not own anything. He was entirely dependent on his master to meet all his needs. Neither could he travel anywhere without his master’s consent. His entire life existed to please his owner.” (Philippians for You)
Scripture consistently uses the language of slavery not servitude when describing our relationship with Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says we are not our own, 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23 says we were bought with a price, Titus 2:14 and 1 Peter 2:9 says we are a people for his own possession, and 2 Peter 1 says our Master purchased us.
As His doulos, Christ requires our all—body, spirit, soul, life—for His service. We exist solely to please, serve, and glorify Him. That’s why Jesus said, “No one can serve (be a slave to) two masters.” (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus is not only our Master, but He is also our friend. He said in John 15:15, “no longer do I call you servants (slaves), for the servants, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my father I have made known to you.”
A slave had to obey his master unquestioningly. It was not his place to know what the master was doing or to understand his commands. But Jesus is a different Master. He pulls His slaves into an intimate relationship with Him and gives them His Word, which reveals His heart, thoughts, and purpose.
Being a slave of Christ also gives us freedom. We are natural slaves to sin, and sin is a cruel master that brings forth death (James 1:15). When Jesus purchases us and enslaves, He frees us from the bondage of sin. And whom the Son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36). Our new Master is gentle and lowly in heart; His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).
Romans 6:16-18 says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”
The High King of Heaven is our Master and friend; what a privilege to belong to Christ!
Saints
In the opening, Paul called the Philippians “saints” in Christ Jesus. The original Greek word for saints is hagios, meaning set apart, sacred, or holy.
God is holy, holy, holy, and there is no intersection between Him and the world. So much, that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). Hence to be a saint is differing from the world because of our likeness with God.
Steven Lawson says, “To be a saint means that by the operation of grace, a Christian no longer lives a life of pursuing sin in the evil world system and, instead, is pursuing moral purity,”
Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, I thought saints were those extra spiritual guys that the church canonized. But all believers are saints. Jesus said He chose us out of the world (or set us apart) so that we may bear fruit (John 15:16).
As saints in Christ, we must detach from the things of the world—desires of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and pride of life (1 John 2:16) and pursue holiness.
What are your thoughts on being slaves and saints of Christ? Share in the comments below!
Recommended resources
The Joyful Slaves of Christ – John MacArthur
The Epistle of Joy – John MacArthur
For the next study
Readings
Read and study Philippians 1:3-11.
Questions for reflection
- What is God’s good work? Why is Paul certain God will complete it?
- Where do you see God’s good work in your life? And how does it encourage you to know that He will finish what He began?
- How can you love others with the affection of Christ? What role do discernment and knowledge play?
- What can you learn from Paul’s prayer for the Philippians, and how can it improve your prayer life?
Memorization
Philippians 1:3-11 if you are doing the challenge, or verses 6 and 9-10.
This is perfect! I was looking for the biblical definition of ‘servant’ and ended up finding your post. I am writing a talk to encourage the women in our church to engage in ministries in our city. I now will have to begin with so much of your knowledge that I will cite your blog as my reference. Excited to follow along on your journey!
Hi Georgia! I am thankful that this post was helpful to you!