Slavery

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What you are about to hear in this PODCAST is a masterful, masterful example of how two apostles—Peter and Paul—addressed a thorny issue that confronted the first generation of Christ-followers.

The issue of slavery.

Paul in particular will seize upon a teachable moment, presented to him by a runaway slave, and use this moment spectacularly to develop an entire New Testament theology of slavery. AND what it all has to do with us today when it comes to our own thorny social issues which threaten to divide us.

Firstly, let’s look at what Peter wrote:

18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2: 18-21)

Before we get to application, let’s begin by examining the interpretation of Peter and Paul’s take on slavery, understanding the historical (past tense) context.

Firstly, the hard truth is that we live in an abusive world. At some level, each of us have either experienced or intimately know someone who has suffered abuse in some way from someone else. It breaks my heart, but it’s true.

So, as we interpret the New Testament passages regarding slavery and abuse, remember that the Old Testament words from a slave named Joseph ring as true today in the 21st century as they did some 1700 years before Christ, when he told his abusers:

What you did to me, you meant for evil, but God has used it for good. (Genesis 50:20)

Now, Peter addressed his readers who were slaves. As did Paul:

21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. (1 Corinthians 7:21)

In other words, if you can get out of the slavery and/or abusive relationship that you are in… get out!

But, what if you can’t?

This is where Peter’s words come into play.

(This podcast is by Dewey Bertolini. discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central, and audio is streamed directly from their servers.)