Biblical slavery acknowledges that we are made in God’s image, we live under His authority, human slavery was not part of God’s design, we operate in a fallen world as spiritually united believers representing God, which means we serve humbly and joyfully while caring for the poor and oppressed, and we live as spiritual slaves of God bought with the price of Christ’s blood.
The Bible describes many types of slavery:
|
Indentured Servitude
Leviticus |
Chattel
Leviticus 25:44–46 |
δοῦλος 1 Tim. 6:1–2 1 Cor. 7:17–24 (Other softer servants and lords as in 1 Peter 2:13-24) |
Human Trafficking
Exodus 21:16 |
Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8 - God never intended for mankind's dominion to include fellow men or women. Treating others as sub-human is a violation of the image of God.
Genesis 9:24–25; 12:15–16; 37:26–28 - As hard as it is to admit, various types of slavery have been a part of human history from nearly the beginning.
Exodus 21:16, Psalm 49:7-9, Mark 8:36-37 - The Bible strictly opposes human trafficking. Souls are priceless. (See also Leviticus 25:35-46 and Nehemiah 5:1-8)
Matthew 7:12, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1 - Even though the Bible does not categorically condemn all forms of slavery, it does condemn ill treatment of others.
1 Timothy 6:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-19, Colossians 3:18-25; 4:1 - The Bible addresses how we are to honor authority for the Lord’s sake and so that God’s name and teaching are not blasphemed.
1 Corinthians 7:17–24 - Paul uses absolute slavery as a spiritual parallel to our relationship to God who has entirely purchased us by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ; for this we are forever indebted as slaves to God our benevolent Savior and Master.
Philippians 2:3–8, Matthew 7:12 - Regardless of your position of authority in any human relationship, follow the example of Christ to take the form of a servant and put others first. Love your enemies.
Acts 5:27-29 - When in conflict, we obey God rather than men, as God's authority is over all.
Proverbs 31:8-9, Nehemiah 5 - Speak up for the poor.
Melissa Wells is a missionary in Czech Republic helping women coming out of sex trafficking. She would greatly appreciate your prayers and encouragement. mewissa@hotmail.com
Before You I Kneel (A Worker's Prayer) Keith & Kristyn Getty
The full story of Perpetua and Felicity
