1 Timothy 6:2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Cross-reference
In 1 Timothy 5:1, treating older men as fathers and younger as brothers sets the pattern for familial respect that applies to believing masters here.
Matthew 23:8 declares all believers are brothers, providing the basis for treating believing masters as brothers without disrespect.
Galatians 3:26-29 declares no slave or free in Christ, directly grounding why a believing master is a brother and equal.
Colossians 3:11 similarly states no slave or free in Christ, reinforcing the unity that makes believers brothers regardless of status.
Colossians 4:1 instructs masters to treat slaves justly, complementing the slave's duty with the master's responsibility in a reciprocal relationship.
Philemon 1:5-7 exemplifies a believing master (Philemon) whose love for all saints refreshes them, directly mirroring the brotherly relationship in 1 Timothy 6:2.
Philemon 1:10-16 illustrates the new relationship: Onesimus returns as a beloved brother, showing how believing masters and slaves should relate as equals in Christ.
Colossians 3:22 commands slaves to obey their masters, directly reinforcing the teaching about believing servants in 1 Timothy 6:2.
Titus 2:9 instructs servants to be obedient, parallel to the command for believing slaves in 1 Timothy 6:2.
Philemon 1:16 shows a slave becoming a 'brother beloved', illustrating the 'brethren' relationship from 1 Timothy 6:2.