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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: Modern application of slavery texts? |
Bible Note: Hi JRM, and thank you! I've really been enjoying this thread too. I don't think you went off topic, because to me, this is all about learning what God has told us, and finding those ways that it changes us to be more like Him. Phi 2:5 For think this within you, which mind was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who subsisting in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, having become in the likeness of men (LITV) This is our example. As the boss, or those who are managers, are still called to serve, as Jesus did, just as you said, to the needs of others. This is my constant struggle, to resist those ways that I want to hold back, and not be a servant. Regarding the underground railroad, Deuteronomy says this: (24:7) "If a man is found stealing a person of his brothers of the sons of Israel, and has dealt with him as a slave, and sold him, then that thief shall die. And you shall put away the evil from among you." Kidnapping for slavery was a capital crime, but only if the victim was an Israelite. The early American version of mass-kidnappings of people of other races is not addressed in Scripture, except generally, in the law of love, which it clearly violated. As the "law of the land" allowed for this kind of slavery, it would seem to parallel the slavery that existed in ancient times. There was indentured servitude, which would be like the Jew who sold himself of family members into slavery to pay off a debt - uhhg :-( but more were captured from other countries. In the Roman Empire, slaves were sold into slavery for debt payment, sentenced to slavery as punishment for crime, born to slave parents, or were captured from other nations. These were the slaves Paul addressed. Since the slaves in this country fit this description, I would think of Paul's writings as also applicible to them, however, I do not judge the people who opted for the Underground Railroad, as there were also other factors involved. Many of those who facilitated the Railroad were motivated by love and mercy for others, and some faced severe reprisals, especially on the southern end. Thank you for a most interesting discussion! Love in Christ, Mark |