Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7300 Institutions and culture of OT  »  7446 slavery  »  7448 slavery, in NT

The NT does not condone slavery but recognises that slavery exists, and that many slaves have become believers. The status of slaves in the church is transformed by the work of Jesus Christ. Slaves were accorded greater respect because they were seen to be spiritually equal with others.

Examples of slavery in the NT

Acts 16:16-21 Paul and Silas deliver a demon-possessed slave girl; Phm 8-21 Paul returns the runaway slave Onesimus to his master.

The gospel transforms the status of slaves

1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-28

Instructions concerning slavery

Instructions to Christian slaves

Ephesians 6:5-8 See also 1 Corinthians 7:20-24; Colossians 3:22-24; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-21

Instructions to Christian masters

Ephesians 6:9 See also Colossians 4:1; Phm 8-17

The immorality of trading in slaves

1 Timothy 1:9-10

See also

2327  Christ as servant
5308  equality
5404  masters
5520  servants
5520  servants
6754  union with Christ
8342  servanthood