The Apostle Paul took on one of the most controversial topics in history: slavery. Did he argue for the abolition of slavery? Or did he argue—as some American preachers once did—that certain people are better off slaves? Let’s look:
“Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him” Ephesians 6:5-9.
Is Paul an abolitionist? Will he fight to end slavery around the world? What about to end slavery in Ephesus? No. There is nothing in this passage to indicate he would try to outlaw slavery. But he does not defend it either. Instead, he simply faces slavery as one of the realities of the world in which he and his readers live.
But do you remember where Paul was when he wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus? He was chained up in a Roman dungeon. Paul knows how it feels to have no liberty. But the purpose of Paul’s letter is not to legislate change in the government of Ephesus. (And even if Paul did try to change the laws, why would a pagan, Greek government pay any attention to the words of a Jewish convict from Israel?)
Paul understands his role. He is an apostle, a missionary, a leading pastor teaching Gentile converts how to walk with Christ. That is the purpose of his words on slavery.
Here is the advice he gives slaves: (1) obey your master as though he were Christ; (2) work hard, don’t simply give the appearance of working hard; (3) serve with a good attitude as though God gave you the assignment, because God will reward you.
And here is the advice Paul gives masters: (1) treat your slaves well, as though God provided them; (2) do not threaten your slaves; (3) remember that you serve the same God they do, and God does not consider masters to be any better than the slaves.
Paul’s goal is that Christians would live so that the light of Christ shines forth from our good works.
Paul wants slaves to honor God so effectively in their work that a lost master would be led to Christ by his slave.
And Paul wants masters to honor God so effectively and to treat slaves so well that the slave would be led to Christ by the master.
Paul’s goal when writing to the people of Ephesus was that they would live like Christ. That they would follow the words of Jesus and “let your light so shine before men, that they would see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.
I’m certain Paul would support the abolition of slavery. After all, he noted that slaves and masters are equal in God’s eyes, Ephesians 6:9.
But Paul never involved himself in political causes. Instead, he dedicated all his time to teaching believers to live like Christ and to share the gospel more effectively. Paul was an apostle, one of a handful who had seen the risen Christ and were chosen to preach the word.
Paul knew his mission: he was an apostle, missionary, pastor, and teacher. He was not a politician or a revolutionary.
Are political goals important? Absolutely. But you must know your calling. Paul’s calling was higher than politics.
What about you and me? We are in the middle of an election season as I write this. Like everyone else, Christians are drawn to controversies every day.
Social media is on fire, half the posts and memes and short videos are fake. The other half are real, but too brief to accurately explain either side of any issue. Yet, we let ourselves get mad and re-post half-baked, unproven things constantly.
Will you persuade anyone on social media? Probably not. Instead, social media drives us to extremes, polarizing us. The right moves further right, the left moves further left, everyone is shouting and no one is listening.
Follow the example of the Apostle Paul. You do not have to solve the political issues of the day. It is probably not up to you to fix global warming or electric cars or inflation or whatever today’s issue may be.
Find out what God is calling you to do. It is more important you live like Christ and display His light and love, whether slave or master, than it is that you fight over politics.
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Household Words: 