Under Authority, Under Christ Last week we tackled the broader and more controversial topic of slavery in the Bible. If the question is whether the Bible condones slavery, the answer is nuanced. Scripture restricts slavery, placing limitations upon its use in such a way that it unequivocally condemns the type of slavery that was practiced in our nation’s history. But, I also mentioned the connection to relationships between superiors and inferiors. The obvious example is employers and employees, but the…
Christian Slaves and Masters? (Eph. 6:5-9) The household code speaks to the various members of the household. Paul has addressed wives and husbands (5:22-33), then children and fathers (6:1-4). Although he addresses slaves and masters next (6:5-9), most pastors speak about employees and employers. I actually agree that there is a connection. The Westminster Larger Catechism 127 gives several examples of “the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors” including “willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels,” (referencing Eph. 6:1-2,…