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NASB | Titus 2:9 ¶ Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 2:9 ¶ Urge bond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, |
Subject: Slavery |
Bible Note: Hi JRM, Your mention of the prophets leads me to think of who they were addressing - the wrongdoer. And you are right, there was (and is) a great disparity in how slaves were treated. The prophets cried to the unjust, imploring them to give justice, to the unmerciful, to give mercy. But the question is, do we try to liberate the slave of the unjust master? From Paul's statement of "if you can gain your freedom, then use it", I think that if there is something I can do, which is not sinful in and of itself, that will improve someone's condition, then I do well to do it. But I also think of Joseph, unjustly rotting in prison for 13 years. God used that time to prepare this young man to be the number 2 man in Egypt, and to rescue his people. I don't believe God put Joseph in prison, any more than that God put the galley slave chained to the oar. but it is written that Joseph told his brothers, and rightfully, I believe, that while they intended their deed for evil, God meant it for good. So who was ultimately in charge of where Joseph was? It can be difficult as we consider man's compared to God's responsibility, when the Bible describes God as Him "Who works all things after the counsel of His will." (Eph 1:11) I have come to understand this in that people will sin, and that is not God's fault. But their sin will only be allowed to affect me to the degree that God as determined will result in His purposes being fulfilled. (I welcome any comments on that) I believe that our mission is to give personal ministry to the people God has put around us, and that, as their lives are changed, social conditions will change. That ministry could be to preach the gospel, disciple, and hold them accountable for sin. God has also promised to fight for His people. Our first line of battle is prayer. Love in Christ, Mark |