Paul and Slavery - Examining Ephesians – September 27 Readings: Ephesians 6:5-9

Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:5-9

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. [6] Don't work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will from your heart. [7] Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, [8] knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. [9] 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. 

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah64-65, 2 Corinthians 11:16–33, Psalm 108:6–13, Proverbs 23:31–33 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: Paul's Teaching on Slavery 

In our racially charged world, with the social unrest that is going on today and the sad history of racism, slavery,  and the brutalization of minority communities by White Americans with the approval of White churches,  few passages could be more uncomfortable to read than Ephesians 6:5-9. 

This text has been used as cover by those who would say that the Bible authorizes slavery and that seeking social justice is contrary to God's word. That is not the point of this passage and the American slavery system was a despicable abomination.  Our years of segregation, dehumanization, and oppression of minorities will gain no support from a proper reading of this text. Permit me a few points. 

1. There is a significant difference between the slavery practiced in biblical days and American slavery. The slaves referred to in this passage generally were conquered enemies or often those who had fallen into debt. Slavery was more economic than racial. 

American slavery was the devaluing of human beings, people made in the image of God, based on the color of their skin. Black families were broken apart, there were lynching, false imprisonments, and all kinds of injustice.  Blacks, Natives, Asians, Hispanics,  now Arabs, are treated as if they matter less, as if their lives hold less value. 

This is an insult to the God who made us all, who sent his Son to die for us all, and who is working to redeem one worshipping people from every language and tribe on earth. Our slavery offended God and racism today does the same.

2. This passage is about spirit-filled behavior and doesn't focus on social issues. The prophets, Jesus himself, and several of the epistles tell us that our faith must be expressed in caring for the poor and oppressed. 

A Christianity that fails to stand with victims of racism, that is not moved by the plight of the refugees and social outcasts is a malformed Christianity,  not pleasing to the Savior.  

3. The admonition to Masters to care about how they treat those under them is stunning.  Slaves and servants being told to have good attitudes would have been the norm. Masters being told to honor Christ in treatment of slaves would have been a new thing. 

4. Some apply these teachings to employees and employers. That is fine, but must be done with care. Employees have rights slaves do not. A Christian employee has freedoms that a slave did not. Still, the principles can be applied. 

This passage must be handled with care. It speaks God's truth but only if it applied properly. 

Think and Pray:

Consider your behavior both in relationships when you have power and when you do not. 

Are you careful to value people who are different?