Slavery: First Century in Paul’s day

A Dr. Craig Keener workshop.

Ephesians 6:5 says, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”

Was Paul pro-slavery? Many writers in the 1800s said yes, but his principles oppose it. What slavery was back in the ancient world was not what it was in early United States history.

Most U.S. slave rebellions resulted from Biblical principles as did abolitionist activities, e.g., Quakers, Baptists, Methodists; individuals: Fleetwood, Finney, Weld, Harriet Beecher Stowe.

First Century slavery was not ethnically based. While slavery in the mines and in the fields was dangerous — inadequate diet, etc., slavery in urban households had better food and had more security than free peasants. Most doctors were slaves. Freeing slaves was frequent and provided more social mobility than peasants. Some people chose to become slaves to improve their social status and for the likely goal of being set free in a particular status of life or career. Former masters helped freedpersons to get ahead and many become rich.

Who did Paul’s letters address? Urban folk. Paul’s New Testament letters are pastoral and practical, and so he had no reason to call for the overthrow of slavery. The principles he set down (Galatians 3:28) were enough to challenge evil versions of the same in the future.