peace to live by

Paul & The Issue of Slavery, Part 1 (TMF2856)

Monday, April 20, 2026
Peace to Live By: Paul & The Issue of Slavery, Part 1 (TMF2856) - Daniel Litton
(Tap to play feature or right-click to download)

       “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (ESV). First, let’s point out the common observation that is made when coming to this passage that Paul did not confront the issue of slavery when talking to the church. That wouldn’t have been conducive for the time, as God didn’t send him to abolish slavery in the physical sense, though, through his message spiritual slavery was abolished in anyone who believed, regardless of earthly conditions. The Spirit of God address slaves here since, undoubtedly, there were enslaved people who had believed in the Gospel.