It Starts Small

 All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed. ² Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

1 Timothy 6:1-2

Does the Bible Condone Slavery?

Slavery in New Testament times and under the Mosaic covenant was different. It had nothing to do with the slavery where “black” people were bought and sold as property. This occurred in the well-known slave trade over the last few centuries. No “white” Christian should think that they can use any slightly positive comment about slavery in these sections. Such comments do not justify the historic slave trade. This trade is still a major stain on the histories of both the U.S. and U.K.

The Bible instructs the Israelites to extend profound kindness to their slaves and servants. This is a powerful reminder of their own history. They too were once oppressed slaves in Egypt! This vital context fuels a compelling call to empathy. They were encouraged to treat their slaves and servants with the compassion they yearned for during their suffering. It’s a heartfelt appeal to human dignity and respect, igniting a passionate understanding of mutual care and kindness.

As we reflect on history, it is undeniable that slavery permeated the Middle East. Its reach extends back to the times of ancient Egypt. It is unimaginable to think that God might have turned a blind eye to such suffering. Had that been the case, there would have been no provisions to protect the vulnerable. They would have been left at the mercy of relentless cruelty. Yet, the existence of rights and protective rules illustrates God’s unwavering compassion for those in bondage. Regrettably, this has been misconstrued as an endorsement of slavery—far from it! In fact, God condemned slave traders as some of the worst sinners. This is stated in 1 Timothy 1:10. It highlights the sacred value of every human life.

¹⁶ “Whoever kidnaps a person must be put to death, whether he sells him or the person is found in his possession.

Exodus 21:16

This powerful verse asserts a strong judgment. It claims that those involved in the abhorrent slave trade from the 16th to the 19th centuries deserve harsh punishment. Execution is their only justice. This stark truth highlights how slaves and servants in the rich tapestry of Israelite culture emerged through their own choices. They drew from both their own people and neighboring societies. In stark contrast, the Roman Empire ensnared people against their will. They were forced into a life of servitude. This servitude stripped away their very humanity.

Slavery in Israel is a type of bankruptcy law. In this system, the government doesn’t step in. However, a person who has lost themselves to debt can sell the only thing they have left: their ability to perform labor. This is a loan. In six years the loan was paid off, and they are set free. Bond servants who did this made a wage, had their debt covered, had a home to stay in, on-the-job training, and did it for only six years. This almost sounds better than college, which doesn’t cover debt and you have to pay for it!

A few pointers to remember:

• Slaves under Mosaic Law were treated with compassion. This treatment starkly contrasts with the brutal conditions faced by slaves in other societies. Under Mosaic Law, slaves were more akin to dedicated servants or bond servants. They were valued members of the household.
• The Bible unequivocally denounces the actions of slave traders, as evidenced in 1 Timothy 1:10. The bond servant was not a mere possession. Instead, they were individuals who entered this role voluntarily. Often, this was a means of paying off debts and seeking a path to stability.
• The Bible recognizes the painful reality of slavery in our broken world. It does not shy away from it. Instead, it lays out profound regulations for humane and respectful treatment. These apply to both masters and servants. This reveals their intrinsic equality under Christ’s embrace.
• In ancient Israel, individuals could sell themselves into servitude. This choice helped alleviate their debts. It secured wages and provided a roof over their heads. They would earn their freedom after six years! This was not a curse, but a voluntary and temporary path towards redemption. Foreigners were welcomed into this same opportunity, cementing the notion of choice and dignity.
• Within God’s family, every person stands equal, beautifully valued (Galatians 3:28). The qualifications for elders and deacons as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 include anyone. Even slaves who meet the criteria through their own remarkable character qualify. This shows that leadership can spring from any background.
• The courageous Biblical Christians fervently championed the cause to abolish slavery. Inside the church, every individual, regardless of status, deserved the same respect and rights. Societal laws reflected a harsh reality. Nevertheless, Paul sought to instruct believing slaves. He wanted them to conduct themselves with dignity and grace. He urged them to regard their masters with the highest honor—here lies the heart of the matter! Honoring a master means being respectful, polite, and fiercely obedient. A loyal and hardworking servant embodies the spirit of honor. Meanwhile, grumbling, complaining, bitterness, or gossiping diminishes this honor. It tarnishes the very essence of the relationship.

so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed

Paul is deeply aware of the dire consequences for Christianity. These could occur if slaves dared to rise up against their masters in the sacred name of Christ. “The Way” of Jesus was a revolutionary revelation for the people of the Roman Empire. They were shrouded in falsehoods and misunderstandings about this transformative faith. In their ignorance, they at times even accused Christians of practicing cannibalism. They mangled the holy act of communion. They also accused them of engaging in lewd orgies. They misconstrued the love feasts, which were nothing more than cherished fellowship meals. Moreover, their misguided perceptions led some to believe that Christians were incestuous. They thought this simply because Christians affectionately referred to one another as “brother and sister.”

If slaves dared to revolt, the government would lash out at this burgeoning faith. Christianity would be seen as a threat, an insurgent force aiming to unravel the very fabric of society. The shadows of persecution would deepen. Masters and their families could have embraced the grace radiating from their servants. Instead, they hardened their hearts against a faith that jeopardized their fortunes. Ultimately, the noble cause of the gospel would face insurmountable struggles.

¹⁹ Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.

1 Corinthians 9:19

In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul boldly declared that he became “all things to all people.” He did this so that he might save some by all means. This profound commitment extended even to slaves. They were called to continue in loyalty to their masters. This was a vital expression of this principle. The urgent mission to lead souls to Christ was paramount. It aimed to guide them toward eternal liberation from sin. This mission far outweighed any fleeting taste of freedom from earthly bondage.

The Bible passionately seeks to transform society from the inside out. It aims to do this one individual at a time instead of inciting a revolution. Take Paul, for instance: he fervently urged Philemon to liberate his slave, Onesimus. This powerful act was not just a suggestion. It profoundly embodied what it truly means to live out Christian values.

 Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them

Some Christian slaves found themselves under the care of Christian masters. They may have assumed that because they were brothers in Christ, they were exempt from their obligations. They were tempted by the allure of exploiting the goodwill of their employers. Because of this, they could easily slip into laziness. They might also show disrespect. Yet, Paul fervently warns them that this is a perilous path to tread. Instead, he urges them to work even harder, unleashing their full potential to be a blessing to their believing bosses. It’s crucial to recognize that Paul was addressing the slaves, not the masters, which is a vital distinction. If Paul had addressed the masters, he would have used a different tone. This is evident in Colossians 4:1 and Philemon. To slaves, he passionately underscores the necessity of obedience, while to masters, his focus is on justice and mercy.

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Cross-References

• Colossians 4:1
• Ephesians 6:5
• Exodus 21:16
• Galatians 3:28
• Colossians 3:22-24

Discussion Questions

• Slaves were told to honor their masters. How would this look if it was practiced?
• Why does Paul tell them to do this?
• Is the Bible condoning slavery? Why or why not?
• How should slaves treat believing masters?
• We are not slaves, but can we make any application from this?
• How should you treat a boss who is a believer?

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