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3. Slavery and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

4. Colossians 3 22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not only while being watched, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not only while being watched, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

5. Colossians 3 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. 1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22-4:1) 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. 1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22-4:1)

6. Modern Slavery (1600-1800s) In the American south: 1.Racism 2.The slave trade (kidnapping) 3.Widespread abuse

7. Facts about Slavery 1/3 of the people in Rome were slaves1/3 of the people in Rome were slaves 20-25% of the Roman Empire were slaves20-25% of the Roman Empire were slaves 60 million people were slaves60 million people were slaves People could become slaves through war or “exposure”People could become slaves through war or “exposure” Or chose to be a slave voluntarilyOr chose to be a slave voluntarily Slaves were not kidnapped in the EmpireSlaves were not kidnapped in the Empire

8. “Kidnapping” “He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.” (Exodus 21:16)“He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.” (Exodus 21:16) “If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countrymen of the sons of Israel, and he deals with him violently or sells him, then that thief shall die; so you shall purge the evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 24:7)“If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countrymen of the sons of Israel, and he deals with him violently or sells him, then that thief shall die; so you shall purge the evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 24:7)

9. “Kidnapping” 8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and sexually immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11) 8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and sexually immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

10. Racially Race or nationality played no part in ancient slaveryRace or nationality played no part in ancient slavery Slaves had some of the same rights as free men (right to trial, etc.)Slaves had some of the same rights as free men (right to trial, etc.)

11. Chronologically In Israel, Jews sold themselves into slavery in order to pay off a debt – indentured servitudeIn Israel, Jews sold themselves into slavery in order to pay off a debt – indentured servitude The Law of Moses imposed a time limit on the service: 6 yearsThe Law of Moses imposed a time limit on the service: 6 years

12. Chronologically 12 “If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free. 13 When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed. 14 You shall furnish him liberally from your flock and from your threshing floor and from your wine vat; you shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. (Deut. 15:12-14) 12 “If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free. 13 When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed. 14 You shall furnish him liberally from your flock and from your threshing floor and from your wine vat; you shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. (Deut. 15:12-14)

13. Chronologically 15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today.” (Deuteronomy 15:15) 15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today.” (Deuteronomy 15:15)

14. Chronologically 16 “It shall come about if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; 17 then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.” (Deuteronomy 15:16-17) 16 “It shall come about if he says to you, ‘I will not go out from you,’ because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; 17 then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also you shall do likewise to your maidservant.” (Deuteronomy 15:16-17)

15. Chronologically 18 “It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has given you six years with double the service of a hired man; so the LORD your God will bless you in whatever you do.” (Deuteronomy 15:18) 18 “It shall not seem hard to you when you set him free, for he has given you six years with double the service of a hired man; so the LORD your God will bless you in whatever you do.” (Deuteronomy 15:18)

16. Chronologically 54 “If any Israelites have not been redeemed by the time the Year of Jubilee arrives, then they and their children must be set free at that time. 55 For the people of Israel are my servants, they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I, the LORD, am your God.” (Leviticus 25:54-55) 54 “If any Israelites have not been redeemed by the time the Year of Jubilee arrives, then they and their children must be set free at that time. 55 For the people of Israel are my servants, they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I, the LORD, am your God.” (Leviticus 25:54-55)

17. No Abuse 26 “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave, and destroys it, he shall let him go free on account of his eye. 27 And if he knocks out a tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him go free on account of his tooth.” (Exodus 21:26-27) 26 “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave, and destroys it, he shall let him go free on account of his eye. 27 And if he knocks out a tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him go free on account of his tooth.” (Exodus 21:26-27)

18. Indentured Servitude 39 “If a countryman of yours becomes so poor with regard to you that he sells himself to you, you shall not subject him to a slave’s service. 40 He shall be with you as a hired man, as if he were a sojourner; he shall serve with you until the year of jubilee.” (Leviticus 25:39-40) 39 “If a countryman of yours becomes so poor with regard to you that he sells himself to you, you shall not subject him to a slave’s service. 40 He shall be with you as a hired man, as if he were a sojourner; he shall serve with you until the year of jubilee.” (Leviticus 25:39-40)

19. Regulate Yet Not Approve “The Bible does not approve or command slavery any more than it approves or commands persecution of Christians. When the author of Hebrews commends his readers by saying, ‘You joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and a lasting one’ (Heb. 10:34), that does not mean the Bible supports the plundering of Christians’ property, or that it commands theft!“The Bible does not approve or command slavery any more than it approves or commands persecution of Christians. When the author of Hebrews commends his readers by saying, ‘You joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and a lasting one’ (Heb. 10:34), that does not mean the Bible supports the plundering of Christians’ property, or that it commands theft!

20. Regulate Yet Not Approve It only means that if Christians find themselves in a situation where their property is taken through persecution, they should still rejoice because of their heavenly treasure, which cannot be stolen. Similarly, when the Bible tells slaves to be submissive to their masters, it does not mean that the Bible supports or commands slavery, but only that it tells people who are in a situation of slavery how they should respond.” – Wayne GrudemIt only means that if Christians find themselves in a situation where their property is taken through persecution, they should still rejoice because of their heavenly treasure, which cannot be stolen. Similarly, when the Bible tells slaves to be submissive to their masters, it does not mean that the Bible supports or commands slavery, but only that it tells people who are in a situation of slavery how they should respond.” – Wayne Grudem

21. Chronologically Roman slaves served for about 7-10 yearsRoman slaves served for about 7-10 years Slaves could purchase their own freedomSlaves could purchase their own freedom Most were released before the age of 30 or earlierMost were released before the age of 30 or earlier

22. Educationally Slaves were provided educations by their mastersSlaves were provided educations by their masters Some slaves were better educated than their ownersSome slaves were better educated than their owners They were trained in skills or tradesThey were trained in skills or trades

23. Vocationally Slaves were often: household managers, librarians, personal secretaries, poets, sea captains, farmers, and executivesSlaves were often: household managers, librarians, personal secretaries, poets, sea captains, farmers, and executives Lawyers, doctors, business managers, artisans, educators, sculptors, architects, actors, accountants, and professorsLawyers, doctors, business managers, artisans, educators, sculptors, architects, actors, accountants, and professors Joseph and Daniel were slaves, yet 2 nd in commandJoseph and Daniel were slaves, yet 2 nd in command

24. Socially Slavery helped people climb the social ladder, earn government positions, or gain honorSlavery helped people climb the social ladder, earn government positions, or gain honor “Imperial slaves sometimes owned their own slaves, traveled in pomp and luxury on the emperor’s business, and commanded deference from all but the highest aristocrats. When acting on behalf of the emperor, they had authority even over freeborn Romans.” – Jeffers, The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era“Imperial slaves sometimes owned their own slaves, traveled in pomp and luxury on the emperor’s business, and commanded deference from all but the highest aristocrats. When acting on behalf of the emperor, they had authority even over freeborn Romans.” – Jeffers, The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era

25. Socially Some male slaves married free womenSome male slaves married free women Some female slaves married their mastersSome female slaves married their masters “Slavery was more a process than a permanent state, a temporary condition to endure while heading toward a better way of life.” - Jeffers“Slavery was more a process than a permanent state, a temporary condition to endure while heading toward a better way of life.” - Jeffers

26. Socially Because slaves served across a range of economic levels, they never developed an awareness of being a class or a group of peopleBecause slaves served across a range of economic levels, they never developed an awareness of being a class or a group of people Freed slaves were granted Roman citizenship which came with many privileges (exempt from some taxes)Freed slaves were granted Roman citizenship which came with many privileges (exempt from some taxes)

27. Summary Ancient slavery was not based on racism, was not lifelong, it was often voluntary, it provided education and social and economic incentivesAncient slavery was not based on racism, was not lifelong, it was often voluntary, it provided education and social and economic incentives

28. The Exodus It’s hard to say that God is pro-slavery when He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 2, 13-15 )It’s hard to say that God is pro-slavery when He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 2, 13-15 ) 1 Then God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:1-3) 1 Then God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:1-3)

29. Why didn’t Christianity immediately abolish slavery? 1.The focus on eternity and salvation 2.Legal and state issues 3.Paul encouraged individual freedom vs. trying to take down the institution

30. Why didn’t Christianity immediately abolish slavery? 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Corinthians 7:21-23) 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. (1 Corinthians 7:21-23)

31. Why didn’t Christianity immediately abolish slavery? 1.The focus on eternity and salvation 2.Legal and state issues 3.Paul encouraged individual freedom vs. trying to take down the institution 4.“The institution of slavery itself was never really questioned. Slaves may have resented their bondage, but given the chance, they acquired slaves themselves. When freed, they simply moved up a notch in the system, becoming themselves masters and mistresses and pulling their dependents along with them. Almost no one, slaves included, thought to organize society in any other way.” - Dale Martin

32. Why didn’t Christianity immediately abolish slavery? “For centuries, slavery needed no defenders, because it had no critics.” - Dinesh D’Souza, What’s So Great About Christianity“For centuries, slavery needed no defenders, because it had no critics.” - Dinesh D’Souza, What’s So Great About Christianity 5. The Gospel’s transformation from the inside-out

33. Why didn’t Christianity immediately abolish slavery? He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in 50 pounds of flour until it spread through all of it.” (Matthew 13:33)He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in 50 pounds of flour until it spread through all of it.” (Matthew 13:33) “Christianity’s emphasis has always been on the transformation of individuals who will in turn influence society, not the transformation of society which will then transform individuals.” - Harold Hoehner“Christianity’s emphasis has always been on the transformation of individuals who will in turn influence society, not the transformation of society which will then transform individuals.” - Harold Hoehner

34. Philemon: The Little Letter that Changed the World 15 For perhaps he [Onesimus] was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dearly loved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both as a person and as a believer in the Lord. 17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me… 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. (Philemon 1:15-17, 21) 15 For perhaps he [Onesimus] was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dearly loved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both as a person and as a believer in the Lord. 17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me… 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. (Philemon 1:15-17, 21)

35. One in Christ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

36. Benediction 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free… 34 Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32, 34-36) 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free… 34 Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32, 34-36)