Paul's Teaching on Slavery I Timothy 6:1-2 12 Paul's Teaching on Slavery I Timothy 6:1-2

Review Instructions on ministry Roles of men and women in the church Qualifications of elders Warning against apostasy Guidelines for a minister’s work and life Instructions concerning widows and their care Teaching on the church’s attitude towards elders and instructions on how to correct them

All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. - I Timothy 6:1

Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. - I Timothy 6:2

Slavery in the Old Testament: How People Became Slaves Captured in war – Gen. 14:21 Sold into slavery – Gen. 17:12 Born into slavery – Gen. 15:13 Restitution for crime – Ex. 22:3

Slavery in the Old Testament: How People Became Slaves Restitution for debt – II Kings 4:1 Self-sale to slavery – Lev. 25:39-43 Kidnapping – Ex. 21:16

Different practices among Gentiles and Jews.

Laws Governing Slavery Jews could not enslave Jews for life – Lev. 25:2 Jubilee (7 cycles of 7)

Laws Governing Slavery Jews could not enslave Jews for life – Lev. 25:2 Female slaves protected – Exodus 21:7-11

Laws Governing Slavery Jews could not enslave Jews for life – Lev. 25:2 Female slaves protected – Exodus 21:7-11 Foreign slaves part of nation – Exodus 12:44

Laws Governing Slavery Jews could not enslave Jews for life – Lev. 25:2 Female slaves protected – Exodus 21:7-11 Foreign slaves part of nation – Exodus 12:44 Not basis of economy

Slavery in Roman Times Not the same as slavery practice in the southern U.S. in 18-19th century Most were domestic slaves Had high degree of independence Strong movement away from slavery as a social model

Slavery in the 1st Century Church Why wasn’t it denounced?

Slavery in the 1st Century Church Why wasn’t it denounced? Passing away as a social system

Slavery in the 1st Century Church Why wasn’t it denounced? Passing away as a social system Nothing to replace it

Slavery in the 1st Century Church Why wasn’t it denounced? Passing away as a social system Nothing to replace it Slavery was temporary

New Identity in Christ Disciple – Matthew 27:57 Priest – I Peter 2:9 Household of God – I Timothy 3:15 Saved – Mark 16:16 Son / Daughter of God – Galatians 3:26-28 Beloved – I Thessalonians 1:4

Our task is to build the kingdom of God within whatever world order we find ourselves.

The only thing that will remain when Jesus comes is the kingdom / church where all are free and gladly serve Jesus Christ.