The Bible does not condemn the institution of slavery outright, but it provides regulations and ethical principles that differ significantly from the chattel slavery practiced in the Americas. This has led to a major historical and theological debate.
Old Testament Slavery
The Old Testament law, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, acknowledges and regulates slavery, but it is a complex system that bears little resemblance to the slavery of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Indentured Servitude: Much of the slavery described was a form of temporary, indentured servitude to pay off debts or for financial hardship. Hebrew slaves were to be released after six years of service (Exodus 21:2, Deuteronomy 15:12-14).
- Protection for Slaves: The law provided protections for slaves, including the prohibition of kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), which was punishable by death. It also stated that a master who beat a slave to death was to be punished (Exodus 21:20-21). A slave who was intentionally maimed by a master was to be set free (Exodus 21:26-27).
- The Malleable Context: The laws reflect the context of ancient Near Eastern society, where the concept of “rights” was different from today. However, the laws of Israel were notably more humane than those of surrounding nations, and they were designed to prevent the brutal exploitation of the slave.
New Testament Teachings
The New Testament does not call for the abolition of slavery. Instead, it offers guidance to both slaves and masters within the existing social structure.
- Submitting to Authority: Passages like Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-4:1 instruct slaves to obey their masters with good will and masters to treat their slaves with respect and fairness, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven.
- Spiritual Equality: The most radical aspect of the New Testament’s teaching on slavery is the emphasis on spiritual equality. Galatians 3:28 states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This principle undermined the very foundation of slavery by affirming that all people are created equal in the eyes of God.
- The Case of Onesimus: The book of Philemon is a powerful example of this. Paul writes to Philemon, urging him to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, back “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16). While Paul did not command Philemon to free Onesimus, he appealed to the Christian bond of brotherhood, which transcends social status. This demonstrates a tension between the social reality of the time and the spiritual imperative of the faith.
Conclusion
The Bible does not provide an outright condemnation of slavery, which has been a source of historical controversy. However, the regulations in the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament introduced ethical and theological principles—such as the inherent dignity of all people and spiritual equality in Christ—that served to challenge and ultimately undermine the institution from within.