Thread: What is The Difference Between a Servant and a Bondservant ?

I was reading in the NKJ and in 2 Peter 1 : 1 it says Simon Peter ; a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ. Does it mean one and the same ?

Colossians 4:12
12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Titus 1

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

James 1

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

2 Peter 1

1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2 Peter 1

1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Corinthians 4:5
5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
Ephesians 6:6

6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.


Philippians 1

1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:


1 Peter 2:16
16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

Ok , I did some research.

Bondservant is more the just a servant, like today when one get’s bonded there is a need to be without a past in crime, the past needs to be honorable and free of anything that puts a stain on the person. Many servants just sold them self’s into service because of a criminal past and needed to pay off there debt. Also the slave could be sold to others because the owner felt they were unworthy for there home.

A bond servant was honorable trust worthy and the master loved the servant, if you remember the servant in the bringing of the old test. The servant became a bondservant when he had his ear pierced at the door post meaning that the evidence was there every time he walked through the door it was a choice he made for life to remain all of his life in service to his master. The master would except him as a bondservant and love him and give the servant a good home food and a place for life.

A total commitment, no turning back, no choice in turning back, it was for life. Times changed and in the new test. We see the word servant and it can have the same effect if the servant has the heart of a bond servant (it is forever)…


So in essence if we are a bondservant to Christ that is the highest honour we can pay and we will be totallly committed and devoted to Him for life.

Originally Posted by Dusty

So in essence if we are a bondservant to Christ that is the highest honour we can pay and we will be totallly committed and devoted to Him for life.

GREAT JOB Dusty!!!

Here is an excellent study on the subject

The Law of the Bondservant

Thanks Larry , and Ray .... excellant.