In Ephesians 5:5-9, the Apostle Paul addresses the ubiquitous labor/authority relationship that existed in that day in the institution of slavery. While the status of slaves was much more diverse and, in many ways, different from 18th - 19th century slavery in America, the lot of the slave was largely dependent upon his master who had absolute power over him. Paul masterfully undermines the institution of slavery while commanding nothing to which society could object. Also, there is a lesson to be learned about our service of God.