The Importance Of Slavery In The Bible
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The Bible holds as one of the most important writings of all time. From the days when it was being constructed to the modern 21st century, the Bible is included in most of human life. Interestingly enough, the books within the Bible have been read countless amounts of time with endless analysis and yet we sometimes forget the history behind the writings. Scripture falls nowhere short of a book of power throughout time. Many empires have dominated throughout history by creating a sense of order and rule within mankind. Power plays a major role in the influences man has amongst other men. The most powerful ruling of their time was the Persian Empire and, later to follow, the Roman Empire. Ironically, both dominating forces influenced the interpretation
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In even more detail, Peter proclaims “submit yourselves to your masters” (1Peter 2:18). In context, Peter discusses the evident interaction of slave and master. But, does God associate with slavery? It can be found in other writings within the New Testament that slavery does not follow God’s word. But, within the Roman Empire, there is definite occurrences of such acts. Therefore, how do Christians interpret the situation? Within Peter’s letter, slavery stands as a way of human interaction; something that ought to occur. He goes as far to proclaim “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1Peter 2:19). To suffer as a slave is understood as a way of holding true to Christian faith. But, to suffer as a Christian is not seemingly just. In contrary, Peter hoped to portray that no success will come from defending oneself against the higher means of power. The Roman Empire gains heightened authority through such implications because Christians are told they are followers of Jesus because they endure the injustices of living under an imperial system. Peter’s proclamations should not be taken as a teaching to Christians, but only as a tactic to protect the followers of Jesus from the Empire. Suffering for doing good is strongly supported by Peter, but once taken into its entirety and out of its exact context, it is unrighteous. The Roman Empire had such powerful authority that to be a dutiful civilian under their reign, one would be identified as a good
In even more detail, Peter proclaims “submit yourselves to your masters” (1Peter 2:18). In context, Peter discusses the evident interaction of slave and master. But, does God associate with slavery? It can be found in other writings within the New Testament that slavery does not follow God’s word. But, within the Roman Empire, there is definite occurrences of such acts. Therefore, how do Christians interpret the situation? Within Peter’s letter, slavery stands as a way of human interaction; something that ought to occur. He goes as far to proclaim “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1Peter 2:19). To suffer as a slave is understood as a way of holding true to Christian faith. But, to suffer as a Christian is not seemingly just. In contrary, Peter hoped to portray that no success will come from defending oneself against the higher means of power. The Roman Empire gains heightened authority through such implications because Christians are told they are followers of Jesus because they endure the injustices of living under an imperial system. Peter’s proclamations should not be taken as a teaching to Christians, but only as a tactic to protect the followers of Jesus from the Empire. Suffering for doing good is strongly supported by Peter, but once taken into its entirety and out of its exact context, it is unrighteous. The Roman Empire had such powerful authority that to be a dutiful civilian under their reign, one would be identified as a good