Paul’s Slavery
In several places in Paul’s writing, he calls himself a slave.[1] When one studies these references within the broader literary context, one will see that for Paul the title of slave of Christ was something that he not only cherished, but also used to win over people to Christ. This might seem surprising, but within the historical context of Paul’s society and his theology, the paradox is resolved. First, it is important to keep in mind that slavery in the ancient world was in some ways far more humane than modern days.[2] For instance, slavery was not racially motivated, manumission was possible, and some slaves of powerful masters wielded considerable power and prestige. Social climbing could even take place through slavery.[3] Therefore, to be a slave of God did not necessarily imply weakness. It might convey just the opposite point – who is a more powerful patron than God? Second, Paul’s slavery was voluntary. This point is essential, because Paul’s claim to be a slave would be ridiculous, if he were a slave. The fact that he was free, a Roman citizen (something still highly prized in the first century), and educated made his claim to slavery powerful.
He descends the social ladder and people knew it. Some are embarrassed by his “slavish” manual labor,[4] others are shamed, because their preoccupations with climbing the social ladder is seen as shallow, and still others are challenged and encouraged by his humility. Paul, in this way, embodied his lord, Jesus. As he writes in Philippians 2, Jesus humbled himself, even to the point of death on the cross. The practical upshot of Paul’s life was to win people over to God by being a window of what God had done in Christ. The implications are great for those who claim to follow Christ. Let me just give one application. If God has blessed a person with things that the world prizes, then God has given that person the incredible opportunity to lower himself or herself to be an example of Christ’s humility and love.[5] I pray that the church will learn the joy of going lower and lower, especially church leaders. Let us serve one another with love and humility.
[1] Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 9:19, Galatians 1:10, Philippians 1:1.
[2] I do not wish to imply that slavery was ever a humane institution, but that slavery in different times and places had different qualities. For Roman slavery, see: W. W. Buckland. The Roman Law of Slavery (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1908); Alan Watson. Roman Slave Law (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1987); Ramsey MacMullen. “Late Roman Slavery,” Historia 36, 1987; K. R Bradley. Slaves and Masters in the Roman Empire (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987); K. R. Bradley. Slaves and Society at Rome (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994).
[3] Susan Treggiari. “Domestic Staff at Rome in the Julio-Claudian Period, 27 BC to AD 68.” Histoire Sociale, 1973; Susan Treggiari. “Jobs in the Household of Livia.” Papers of the British School at Rome, 43, 1975; Dale Martin. Slavery as Salvation. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1990); Satyricon 57.
[4] Admittedly an elite view. Funerary inscriptions of the “common” person show pride in their work.
[5] A special thanks to my church brothers and sisters that often times embody this attitude without even knowing it.
Perhaps one of the aspects of Paul mentioning that he was a slave was to imply that there was a Master over him. Many well-to-do’s or masters in his times may never considered the thought of themselves being slaves or having a master over them (though I’m sure they recognized authority, such as the government).
The characteristics of slavery that Paul seemed to champion was service, obedience, and humility in light of the grace that he received from the Master as the Master purchased our debt (sin) while we were yet slaves to another master (sin/darkness).
The slave-master analogy is very pertinent, as it is spiritually true.
We were slaves to a cruel master (to our sin/darkness), and the debt could not be paid off by our works because it was too great of an amount (in our case the debtee determines whether or not the debtor satisfied the obligation). Only someone with much wealth could purchase and fulfill the debt. He paid that price on his own initiative while we were yet slaves (and it may be true that we were not even looking for freedom) and when it was paid, we were made free and was adopted by the true and perfect master, who is categorically superior to men.
The earthly analogy of slave-master stands only to the extent that a debt needs to be paid. However, as men categorically stands in the same level as other men, the golden rule (Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You) is applicable. Therefore, the notorious and infamous American slavery practices were unethical (how does a native African forced to come to the U.S. have any debt to repay to an artificial – and arbitrary – American master? And to treat slaves as sub-human was unethical). This rule does not stand with Creator-creature relationship because creatures are to worship the Creator and not the other way around. Thank God that He is the most excellent, wise, compassionate, just, righteous, and holy Master.