It Starts Small

⁹ Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back ¹⁰ or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

Titus 2:9-10

Does the Bible condone slavery?

Slavery in New Testament times and under the Mosaic covenant is vastly different from the heinous institution in history. In that institution, “black” individuals were mercilessly bought and sold as mere property. They were oppressed by “white” individuals in the shameful slave trade that has marred our history for centuries. No “white” Christian should ever dare to twist any seemingly positive remark about slavery in these sacred texts. Such actions attempt to rationalize the abhorrent historical slave trade. This trade remains a deep and unforgivable stain on the legacies of the U.S. and the U.K.

The profound kindness required to be shown to slaves and servants was commanded in the Bible among the Israelites. It was powerfully rooted in the reminder of their own history as slaves in Egypt. This poignant reflection was a compelling call to empathy. It urged them to treat others in the manner they themselves yearned to be treated.

As we ardently reflect on history, we recognize that slavery was a grim reality in the Middle East. This harsh truth dates back to ancient Egypt. If God had turned a blind eye to this injustice, there would have been no humane treatment guidelines. Those enslaved could have been cruelly mistreated without any semblance of rights. Yet, the existence of rights and protective regulations reveals a profound truth: God did indeed care for these individuals. Sadly, this concern is frequently misconstrued as a tacit approval of slavery, which it emphatically is not. In fact, God categorically denounces slave traders as among the most wretched of sinners, as stated in 1 Timothy 1:10.

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

According to this verse, those people involved in the slave trade in the 16th to 19th centuries should be executed. In light of such rules, most slaves/servants in Israelite culture found themselves in that position due to their actions. Slaves in the Roman empire were, however, often forced into it. Slavery in Israel was a type of bankruptcy law. With this, a government doesn’t step in, but a person, who has lost themselves to debt, can sell the only thing they have left, their ability to perform labor. In essence, it was a loan. In six years, the loan was paid off, and they were set free. Bondservants who did this made a wage, had their debt covered, a home to stay in, on-the-job training, and did it for only six years.

Here are a few pointers to remember:

• Slaves under Mosaic Law were not the same as the brutally mistreated slaves of other societies. They operated more like dignified indentured servants. They had rights and protections!
• The Bible fiercely denounces slave traders and stands against the injustices of slavery (1 Timothy 1:10). A slave or indentured servant willingly chose this path. They embarked on it to settle their debts. This was an act of agency rather than coercion.
• The Bible acknowledges the grim reality of slavery in this fallen world but does not shy away from it. Instead, it provides profound regulations for the humane treatment of both masters and servants. It affirms their equality in the eyes of Christ!
• Israelites had the opportunity to sell themselves as slaves or indentured servants. This was not a fate of despair but a means to cover their debts. It allowed them to secure a wage and find housing. Ultimately, they would gain freedom after six years! Foreigners had the same opportunity. This system was rooted in voluntary participation and was inherently temporary.
• In God’s family, every individual is cherished and holds equal value (Galatians 3:28). Think of 1 Timothy 3, where the qualifications for elders and deacons are laid out! If a slave met those qualifications, they had every right to be a leader in the church!
• The longing for freedom is a noble pursuit (1 Corinthians 7:21)! An enslaved believer should actively seek liberty! Yet, should freedom not be attainable, they can still glorify God and remain an invaluable part of His kingdom!
• It was biblical Christians who passionately championed the cause against slavery, leading the charge for abolition!

Inside the church, slaves were to be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else. They possessed equal rights (Galatians 3:28). However, outside the church, the harsh reality of slavery loomed large. It was defined by the government’s oppressive rules. Paul guided believing slaves on how to navigate their circumstances. Yet, amidst this darkness, brave souls like William Wilberforce emerged as beacons of hope. They fervently advocated for the end of the slave trade in the U.K. Countless individuals in northern U.S. states dedicated decades of their lives fighting for emancipation, striving for justice and liberty. Tragically, some within the church betrayed these values. They defended the abhorrent institution of slavery. Truly, they were wolves in sheep’s clothing. They masqueraded as righteous while turning a blind eye to the suffering around them.

Changing society from the inside out

Paul was acutely aware of the dire implications for Christianity. These implications would arise if slaves dared to rise up against their masters in the name of Christ. The essence of “The Way” of Jesus was revolutionary. It served as a breath of fresh air amid the stagnation of the Roman Empire. Misunderstandings and misconceptions about this transformative faith ran rampant. Many in the Empire foolishly believed that Christians engaged in cannibalism by partaking of the Lord’s body during communion. They indulged in wild orgies disguised as love feasts. In truth, these were merely communal meals of fellowship. Even more scandalous was the notion that Christians were incestuous. This belief arose simply because they referred to one another as “brother” and “sister.”

If slaves dared to revolt, the government would swiftly turn its back on this burgeoning faith. Christianity would be branded as a threat to social order. It would be seen as an insidious force seeking to undermine the foundations of society. Persecution would intensify, casting a shadow of fear over the land. The kindness and grace of servants might have swayed those masters and their families. Instead, they hardened their hearts against this faith. It challenged their prosperity. Ultimately, the noble cause of the gospel would suffer immeasurably, crushed beneath the weight of hostility and betrayal.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul passionately declares that he became “all things to all people.” He aimed to save some by all means. This profound commitment extends even to slaves. They are called to maintain their obedience to their masters. This is viewed as a vital expression of this principle. The mission to win souls for Christ is of utmost importance. It guides them to eternal freedom from sin. This mission far outweighs the pursuit of mere temporary liberation from slavery. The essence of the Bible’s message is to transform society from within. This transformation happens one heart at a time. It does not incite upheaval. Paul gave heartfelt guidance to Philemon. He encouraged him to set his slave, Onesimus, free. This guidance is a powerful testament to what it truly means to embody Christian love and compassion.

Employees should wholeheartedly respect their bosses and fervently strive to win them to Christ through every action they take. Your attitudes and behaviors at work should testify powerfully for Christ. They must draw others to Him with irresistible grace. They should not turn them away.

Paul highlighted different points to different groups

Note that Paul was speaking directly to the slaves, not the masters, and this distinction carries profound significance. If he had addressed the masters, his message would have undoubtedly taken a different tone (just look at Philemon!). To the slaves, he fervently championed the value of obedience. To the masters, he passionately underscored the critical importance of justice and mercy. Paul fervently reminded the masters to act justly and fairly, for they will one day stand accountable before God.

Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1

submit to their masters in everything

Slavery was a fact of life at that time in history. But how were slaves to react to it? Paul told them simply, obey.

²¹ Were you called while a slave? Don’t let it concern you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity.

1 Corinthians 7:21

In Corinthians, he told them to get out of it if they could. If it was at all possible, freedom was better. But for those who couldn’t get out of it, they should serve Christ in it. And they should not do so reluctantly or by arguing with their masters or stealing. Rather, they should do so in “good faith.” As Paul said in Colossians, they should serve their masters in such a way as to please God (Colossians 3:23-24). Even if their masters never noticed and never rewarded them, God saw their obedience and would reward them for it.

You may have a Christian boss. If so, do not dare to take advantage of the boundless mercy he offers. Do not ever think, “I can show up late because he will forgive me.” His goodness is a precious gift, not a privilege to be exploited. Instead, strive to be an exemplary and dedicated employee. Recognize that a cherished member of God’s own family is reaping the rewards of your unwavering hard work.

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Cross-References

• Galatians 3:28
• Colossians 3:22 – 4:1

Discussion Questions

• Why was it necessary for Paul to cover this issue of slaves and masters?
• What stance does the Bible take on slavery? Is there any division in the church between slaves and masters? What does this tell you about God’s heart regarding slavery?
• What command did Paul give to slaves?
• How might this section of Scripture apply to us today in a world where slavery is rarer and rarer?

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