Slaves and Masters

“Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:9-11

“Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.” I Timothy 6:1-2

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

During Paul’s time slaves and masters had no associations outside the institution of slavery. With the advent of the gospel, however, the two groups came together in the Church with equality before God creating problems which the apostles were forced to address. In the day-to-day world Paul instructed slaves to be obedient to their masters, honor them, be submissive to them and serve them faithfully that they may thereby honor God. Honor used here is the same word used elsewhere in Scripture for honoring God and Elders. At the same time, masters were not to abuse their authority but to treat their slaves justly and fairly (Ephesians 6:9).

In the Church there was no slave or free but all were one in Christ. However, social goals in society related to equality were always to be subordinate to spiritual values. There was no provision made for rebellion against authorities and everyone was commanded to remain in the position in life they were called to by God (I Corinthians 7:20). The goal was to enjoy a quiet and peaceable society/life in all godliness and reverence so that conditions would be favorable to spread the gospel which was all-important (I Timothy 2:1-4).

In our world today, with slavery thankfully abolished, the same principles can be applied to the authorities God has placed over us. In the Church, we are all equal before God, although even there we have Church leaders to be submissive to. In the secular world we all have different roles and positions to perform and Christians should be appropriately submissive, respectful and faithful to all employers/authorities over us and especially to those who are our beloved brethren.