Opinions, please, from anyone about this Bible quote?

Question

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord.
(Colossians 3:22 NAB)

Terry S: I simply asked for opinions. I find my own answers, thank you.

Answer 1

Obviously the Collosians never heard of the Emancipation Proclamation. Isn't the Bible fun!

Answer 2

I think that during that time slavery was the law. When you lost the war you became slaves. When christ came on the scene these things were already taking place. Remember Christ was a man of wisdom. Now if you were a slave he told them the best thing you could say and that is obey your master in everything, why? Because he has the power. You'll probably be treated better or well. Example: Take Martin Luther King he preached non-violence. Why? Because you had a better chance at succeeding. Gandhi he preached do as they say "you'll win your freedom. Remember the bible "God say revenge is mines".

Answer 3

In the Roman Empire slaves were very numerous. The instirution of slavery had the protection of the imperial government. First century Christians did not take a stand against governmental authority in this matter and advocate a slave's revolt. They respected the legal right of others, including fellow Christians, to own slaves. For a slave to have a Christian master was a blessing, as his owner was under obligation to deal righteously and fairly with him. (Eph 6:8, 9 ...the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.)

The acceptance of Christianity by those in servitude placed upon them the responsibility of being better slaves, "not talking back, not committing theft, but exhibiting good fidelity." (Tit 2:9, 10) Even if their masters treated them unjustly, they were not to render inferior sevice. By suffering for righteousness' sake, they imitated the example of Jesus Christ. (1Pe 2:18-25). Thus Paul wrote the scripture you quoted in the question.

However, I personally thing the New International Bible gave a better rendering of the scripture: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord." Such fine conduct toward their masters prevented bringing reproach upon the name of God, as no one could blame Chritianity for producing lazy, good-for-nothing slaves.

Of course, a slave's 'obedience in everything' could not include disobying God's law, as that would have meant fearing men rather than God. Wrongdoing by slaves, even when committed at the direction of a superior, would not have 'adorned the teaching of their Savior, God,' but would have misrepresented and disgraced this teaching. (Tit 2:10) Thus, their Christian conscience would govern.

Answer 4

It means that if you are a slave, becoming a christian does not free you from your earthly bondage, indeed, it imposes upon you the need to remain upright and faithful in your duties.

Since a slave's duties are to do whatever the slave's master tells them to do, a slave must obey the duties imposed upon them by their master, whether or not performing these duties would be considered morally acceptable.

Thankfully, none of us today are actually owned by another human being, so the conflicts of interest caused by being both slave and christian are not an issue any more.

Simply becase the bible makes references to how a slave should behave does not mean that slavery itself is sanctioned by the bible. Jesus for example condemns divorce, even though there are laws for divorce in the old testament, and Paul even allows divorce in certain situations.

Answer 5

Slavery in Paul's day was very different from the slavery that we know from American history. People frequently sold themselves as slaves, or indentured servants. In many cultures, the vast majority of people were slaves. They were paid for their work, and could buy their freedom if they could save enough money.

Paul and the other Bible writers did not speak out against this type of slavery, but encouraged the slaves to be good workers, obeying their masters, the same as he would tell workers nowadays to obey their bosses. It was not for Paul to speak out against slavery. His main goal was the spread of the gospel. The kingdom is of heaven, not earthly. The goal is eternal life. Paul's point was, whatever your station here on earth, you can, and are expected to live a Christ like life. If Paul had spoken out against slavery, it would have changed the focus of the gospel from eternal things to earthly, temporal things. This would have stunted the spread of the gospel.

In much the same way, Thomas Jefferson chose not to place abolition of slavery in the constitution for fear that it would weaken the unity of the newly formed colonies in their battle against England. The NT church had enough issues to fight about that threatened their unity. The battle over slavery, an accepted way of life by the majority of the world, was not to be the focus of their ministry.

Answer 6

Slavery was part of the lifestyle when the Bible was written. I believe the present day application could be made in the workplace. "Do a good job in everything, not just when being watched. Do it with a humble heart as in serving the Lord."

Answer 7

a) A sliver of a minority, Christianity did not yet recognize the need or the power of overturning a wretched institution.
b) Slavery in the Near East during the early AD centuries differed greatly from our image of southern cotton fields.
c) Thus some Romans hired/bought Greek teachers for their children etc.
d) The principle is the same today w/ capitalism and employees.
e) Witness at all times in all you do - not just when you figure someone is going to be impressed.
Thanks for asking.

Answer 8

That is an instruction from the writer of that book to those who are in slavery to serve their masters well. As in all things in the bible, we can take a meaning for our modern lives. Lots of people work for a living; so...we are to be busy and diligent at our jobs, not just when the boss is looking.

Answer 9

That is sound advice.
Many people do not understand that most all the people in the past were slaves. Many years ago if you were not slave you did not eat. About 75% of the white Europeans in this country at the signing of the Declaration of Independence were either slaves or indentured servants. Most of us are descendants of slaves.

Answer 10

in this letter, Paul is addressing the Colossians. At that time, the people who kept slaves were protected by the laws of the time. Many wars resulted in taking whole cities in slavery to the victors. Paul is addressing the slaves who were just beginning to come to know the good news of salvation in Christ - but they had to remain in the care of their masters, as that was their lot - and Paul is instructing them to abide by the laws that govern them, as it will go well for them.

Answer 11

It's saying that slaves (actually in Bible times it meant servants) to obey your authority, not just when they're watching you but even when they're not around, doing it with your heart out of love.