Slaves and Masters

Some passages in Scripture challenge our thinking because they seem to take a stand on an issue which is directly contrary to the prevailing opinion in our culture today. One such matter where contemporary culture and Scripture are at polar opposites is the issue of slavery. Due to the unsavory nature of the institution of slavery in America and how it contributed to hostilities which eventually led to the most violent and bloody war this nation has seen on its own soil, it can be difficult for American Christians to interact with Paul's exposition of the ethics of masters and slaves. However, since all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for instruction, this passage must be expounded accurately and understood within the whole context of the Bible that Christians may have a proper understanding and attitude toward slavery. One point which must be affirmed without compromise is that Scripture never teaches that race-based or ethnicity-based conceptions of slavery are Biblical; the Bible nowhere endorses racism, White Supremacy, or bigotry, such views are immoral and contrary to the Biblical teaching that all men are made in the image of God.