What Meaning Lies in Embracing the Role of a Servant (Doulos) to Our Master (Despotēs), the Lord Jesus Christ?
To Uncover the Hidden Truth Concerning Your Identity in Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we call ourselves “Christians,” but the fact is this word only appears three times in the Bible. In the New Testament, you’ll find a host of terms that identify the followers of Jesus, but there is one metaphor used more frequently than any other. Slave.
English translators have “perpetrated a fraud”, a “cover-up of biblical proportions” by translating the Greek word doulos as “servant” instead of “slave.” Aside from a few translations (like the HCSB), most English Bibles fail to capture the radical nature of our relationship to Christ as Master and Lord. Our slavery to Christ has radical implications for how we think and live. We have been bought with a price. We belong to Christ. We are part of a people for His own possession.
True Christianity is not about adding Jesus to my life. Instead, it is about devoting myself completely to Him – submitting wholly to His will and seeking to please Him above all else. It demands dying to self and following the Master, no matter the cost. In other words, to be a Christian is to be Christ’s slave.
That’s right. The first Christians, having been galvanized by the words of Jesus, gave up everything and called themselves slaves of Christ. Now you can learn why this word best described early Christ-followers—and you’ll see how an understanding of this truth changes the way to follow Him now. This discovery will unveil the riches of your salvation in a radically new way.
Christians are constantly reminded that they are "doulos of Christ" - meaning they consider themselves slaves of Christ. This important fact has often been overlooked in modern Christianity, mainly because the Greek term "doulos" has been incorrectly translated as "servant.". It is likely that translators avoided using the term "slave" due to negative connotations associated with historical Western slavery, which was characterized by great evil. Because we don't have the word slave, we therefore really don't understand the paradigm that defines us as Christians. As I read and listen to Dr MacArthur's sermon, his discovery really it's just so profoundly enriching to my personal faith.
It didn't add any new theology. It didn't add any new understanding of the gospel and the realities of my relation to the Lord. It just put it in its proper paradigm. It elevated my understanding of what it means to say Jesus is Lord and it lowered my understanding of what it means to say I'm his slave. It's just a very defining concept, a paradigm that's unmistakable. When you think that the word "Lord" is used 747 times in the New Testament we all understand that all Christians say Jesus is Lord. That's our common confession. But I don't think people get it. That's the topside of the word doulos. If he's Lord, I'm his slave. And all of a sudden, all the sayings of Jesus – "deny yourself," "take up your cross," "follow me," "why do you call me Lord and not do what I say" – all these things took on new meaning because that sets the paradigm so clearly. You have no rights whatsoever to yourself because you have denied your personal autonomy thus being OWNED by Christ!.
I think it would change everything if Christianity today would look at the Bible translation and translate that word to say [slave]. Even true Christians, the people who truly believe and are genuinely converted and understand the gospel, now if they understand the concept of a slave, the richer much more defining way to understand what the Lord has done for us, the benevolent grace which he dispenses to us – We're slave but we've become a friend and a son and a citizen and a joint heir and we reign with him – this is a new way to understand slavery. Not in terms of the American abusive African slave trade but in terms of which we're owned by a master who loves us and wants to provide everything in his limitless resources out of that love to make our life eternally joyful. That is a concept of slavery that's easily embraceable.
To truly understand the concept of being "slaves of Christ," we must consider the context of Greco-Roman and Hebrew slavery. In those times, many slaves were treated well, and some even enjoyed high social status because of their wealthy and influential masters. Comparatively, being a slave to Christ should be viewed as a position of honour and pride. Just as Caesar's slaves took pride in serving him, Christians should find even greater joy in serving Christ. I took this perspective as I studied the Bible, just like Dr. John MacArthur who cites the testimonies of faithful Christians throughout history. Early Christians celebrated the freedom they experienced in being slaves of Christ. Even in the face of martyrdom, they could not deny their Master, recognizing that He had redeemed them. Throughout history, being a slave of Christ was considered a privileged and esteemed position.
If someone is not a slave of Christ, they are, in essence, a slave to sin , and a slave of demon. Sin is a cruel taskmaster, while Christ joyfully welcomes His slaves as members of His own family. Indeed, those who are "doulos of Christ" are considered His brothers and sisters. Therefore, the exhortation is to remain faithful and dedicated slaves to Christ, acting in His absence, so that He may be overjoyed upon His return. "Doulos of Christ" refers to the concept in Christianity where believers consider themselves as willing slaves of Jesus Christ.
We must understand that the term "doulos" comes from the Greek language and emphasizes a deep devotion and surrender to Christ's authority, Lordship, sovereignty, teachings, and will. Rather than perceiving themselves as mere servants, Christians who identify as "doulos of Christ" view their relationship with Him as one of loving obedience and commitment. This mindset reflects a desire to follow Christ's example and teachings wholeheartedly, seeking to serve and honour Him in all aspects of life. The idea of being a "doulos of Christ" underscores the believer's love, faith, humility, for the crucified Messiah and dedication to their Lord and Savior.
Slavery to Christ is much more than mere duty; it is motivated by a heart of loving devotion and pure delight. Because God first loved us and sent His Son to redeem us from sin, we now love Him – longing from the heart to worship, honor, and obey Him in everything. Our slavery to Him is not drudgery but a joy-filled privilege made possible by His saving grace and the Spirit’s continued working in our lives.
“John MacArthur expertly and lucidly explains that Jesus frees us from bondage into a royal slavery that we might be His possession. Those who would be His children must, paradoxically, be willing to be His slaves.” —DR. R.C. Sproul
Now, let us examine the real meaning behind this Greek word's origin and understand its concept. A slave of Christ is a worshiper of Christ. Since only God is to be worshipped demonstrates the Lord Jesus is God. A Christian is a slave of Christ. Romans 1:1 (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:22; Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:6; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:24; James 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1; Revelation 2:20; 22:3) From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. A Christian serves/worships the Lord Jesus. Romans 12:11 (cf. Acts 20:19; Romans 14:18; Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:24)
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (ESV). This "zeal" for the Lord Jesus refers to worshiping Him for when Elijah said, "I have been very zealous for the LORD" (1 Kings 19:10, 14, NASB) it was in reference to worshiping the Lord in opposition to those who worshiped Baal (cf. 1 Kings 18:21f.). Likewise, a Christian ought to be zealous in their worship of the Lord Jesus and not to any false god.
Romans 16:18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (NASB). Robert H. Mounce: Their god, the supreme object of their concern, was the belly. (Wycliffe Bible Commentary, page 1329) -> The God of Christians, the supreme object of their concern, is the Lord Jesus.
The very existence of the phrase 'slave of Christ' alongside 'slave of God' in New Testament usage testifies to the early Christian belief in Christ's deity. Knowing the expression 'slave of the Lord' from the Septuagint, several New Testament writers - John, Peter, Paul, James and Jude - quietly substitute 'Christ' for 'the Lord', a substitution that would have been unthinkable for a Jew unless Christ was seen as having parity of status with Yahweh. As the prophets and kings of Israel had in an official sense been called "the servants of Yahweh" (Deuteronomy 34:5; Joshua 1:1), so do the apostles of the Lord Jesus style themselves "the servants slaves of Christ", expressing thereby such subjection and devotion to Him as they would never have yielded to a mere creature. (Romans 1:1)
It is interesting to note that while the Old Testament prophet spoke of himself as ‘the servant of YHWH’, the New Testament equivalent speaks of himself as 'the servant of Christ Jesus'. This is unquestionably equating YHWH and Christ Jesus. No Jewish Christian who thought that Jesus Christ was less than God would have spoken in this way. (Philippians 1:1)
Thayer's Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: of the true worshippers of Christ (who is κύριος πάντων, Acts 10:36) Ephesians 6:6. In the Old Testament we see that a slave/servant (doulos) of the Lord is a "worshiper of the Lord" in that Jehu juxtaposes them with those who are servants/worshipers of Baal. The Greek words in parenthesis are from the LXX.
2 Kings 10:19-23 (19) “Now, summon all the prophets of Baal, all his worshipers (doulous) and all his priests; let no one be missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal; whoever is missing shall not live.” But Jehu did it in cunning so that he might destroy the worshipers (doulous) of Baal. (20) And Jehu said, “Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal.” And they proclaimed it. (21) Then Jehu sent throughout Israel and all the worshipers (douloi) of Baal came, so that there was not a man left who did not come. And when they went into the house of Baal, the house of Baal was filled from one end to the other. (22) He said to the one who was in charge of the wardrobe, “Bring out garments for all the worshipers (doulois) of Baal.” So he brought out garments for them. (23) Jehu went into the house of Baal with Jehonadab the son of Rechab; and he said to the worshipers (doulois) of Baal, “Search and see that there is here with you none of the servants (doulōn) of the LORD, but only the worshipers (douloi) of Baal." (NASB)
The Jewish Encyclopedia of the Bible (1901) affirms, "devoted worshipers of the Deity were commonly designated as God's servants..." (Servant of God or Slave of Elohim). As slaves of Christ, Christians are worshipers of the Deity in reference to the Lord Jesus and every Christian is a slave of Christ demonstrates the Lord Jesus is the despotēs of every Christian (2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 4; Revelation 6:10). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: δεσπότης was strictly the correlative of slave, δοῦλος, and hence, denoted absolute ownership and uncontrolled power. Thayer's Greek: 1203. δεσπότης (despotés) -- lord, master
In 2 Timothy 2:21, the Master (despotēs) refers to the Lord Jesus. Praying to the Lord Jesus as being YHWH (2 Timothy 2:22) is what a slave of Christ ought to do (2 Timothy 2:24). In 2 Peter 2:1 the Master (despotēs) refers to the Lord Jesus. It is a "destructive heresy" to deny the Lord Jesus is God. Again in Jude 4 the Master (despotēs) refers to the Lord Jesus. It is evident that Lord Jesus is the only Master (despotēs) of every Christian equality with God the Father (Acts 4:24) demonstrating the Lord Jesus is God.
In Revelation 6:10 the Master (despotēs) refers to the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus is absolutely holy (= God) and is, therefore, the proper recipient of worship (cf. Revelation 15:4). Meanwhile in Jude 4, the Master (despotēs) refers to the Lord Jesus. Since the Lord Jesus is the only Master (despotēs) of every Christian, it is clear that Jesus Christ is in equality with the Father (Acts 4:24) demonstrating the Lord Jesus is indeed God.
To understand this concept of Master and Slave in Godhead concept within the realm of Christian theology, there is an essential belief in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which states that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet they are distinct from one another in their roles and functions. It is not three Gods but only one God in three persons.
Christianity affirms monotheism – the belief in one God. The Trinity doesn't propose the existence of three separate gods; rather, it emphasizes that there is only one divine essence or being.
Three Persons: The term "persons" in the context of the Trinity doesn't mean individual people as we usually understand it. It refers to distinct centres of consciousness, will, and relationship within the divine being. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not separate entities but rather distinct modes of being within the one God.
Fully God: Each of the three persons of the Trinity is fully and equally God. They share the same divine attributes, such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. This means that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not lesser or subordinate gods, but are fully God along with the Father.
Distinct Roles and Functions: Although the three persons share the same essence, they have distinct roles and functions. The Father is often associated with creation and providence, the Son (Jesus Christ) with redemption through the incarnation and sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit with sanctification and guidance.
Unity in Diversity: The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that there is a unity in diversity within the Godhead. Just as a family has distinct individuals with unique roles, yet they are united as one family, the persons of the Trinity work in perfect unity while maintaining their distinct roles.
Mystery: The concept of the Trinity is often described as a divine mystery because it is beyond full human comprehension. It's a way to describe the nature of God that acknowledges our finite understanding of the infinite.
God the Father: The first person of the Trinity is God the Father. He is often referred to as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is seen as the source of all things and the Father of all believers.
God the Son (Jesus Christ): The second person of the Trinity is God the Son, who is Jesus Christ. He is fully God and fully human, having taken on human form to redeem humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus is often referred to as the Savior and the Mediator between God and humanity.
God the Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity is God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father and the Son to indwell believers and empower them for Christian living. The Spirit guides, comforts, convicts, and empowers believers to live according to God's will.
Although there are three distinct persons within the Trinity, they are unified in their essence and purpose. They are co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent. This is a profound mystery in Christian theology, often described as the Triune nature of God.
To clarify, there are not three separate Masters (despotēs) in Christian theology. There is one despotēs - one God who manifests Himself in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all working in perfect harmony for the redemption and salvation of humanity.
There is only one "Despotēs," which is a Greek word often translated as "Master," "Lord," or "Sovereign." This term is used to refer to God, the Almighty Creator, who is the ultimate authority and ruler over all things. In the context of the Holy Trinity, the term "Despotēs" applies to the one true God who exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
Each person of the Trinity shares in the divine nature and is equally Despotēs, but they are not three separate Masters. Instead, they are one in essence and united in their divine nature. This concept of one God in three persons is fundamental to Christian belief and is known as the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. It reflects the complex and mysterious nature of God, which goes beyond human comprehension and understanding.
Παῦλος δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ,
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus -
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