Ephesians 6:7

Ephesians 6:7, in plain English

Do your work eagerly and with genuine good will, understanding that you're serving the Lord, not just working to satisfy a human boss.

Why it's here

The phrase 'good will' here means you're doing the work willingly, not grudgingly. You're not counting the hours until you can leave. Paul knows this is hard — genuine enthusiasm in forced labor seems almost impossible — but he's inviting enslaved Christians to discover an interior freedom that slavery can't touch. When you serve Christ in your work, your attitude shifts.

Who's speaking

Paul, still instructing enslaved Christians

Where it sits in the story

God sees your heart and honors sincere, faithful work regardless of your circumstances. This echoes Colossians 3:23-24, where Paul teaches that all work is ultimately worship when done for Christ.

The scholarly reading

The slave should serve with genuine enthusiasm and goodwill, rendering labor as if working directly for the Lord rather than grudgingly for a human master.

Language and setting

The phrase met' eunoeías ('with good will,' literally 'with good thought or disposition') suggests psychological and spiritual transformation, not merely behavioral compliance. This is radical psychology for the ancient world: Paul suggests that the slave's interior disposition—not just external performance—matters morally and spiritually. The prepositional phrase hós tó kyríó ('as to the Lord') repeats the Christological theme, emphasizing that Christian slaves possess an identity transcending their legal status.

Voice

Paul, continuing his address to enslaved believers with eschatological dignity.

Significance

This reflects the transformative power of what we might call 'presence consciousness'—a theme developed in early monastic and contemplative theology, where all labor becomes prayer through constant awareness of God's presence.

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,

8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Read all of Ephesians 6 — The battle isn't against flesh and blood. Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith — Paul arms believers for an invisible war.