Bible verses on slavery new testament

The New Testament of the Bible does not explicitly condone or justify slavery, but it also does not explicitly condemn it. However, there are several passages that can be interpreted as addressing the issue of slavery in various ways. Here are some examples:

1. Colossians 3:22-25: This passage is often cited as a justification for slavery, but it can also be interpreted as a call to treat slaves with dignity and respect. The verse says, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Not only when their eye is on you and you are afraid, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good behavior and reverence, your enemies will be won over to the way of God. Slaves, be subject to your masters in all respects, not only those who are good and kind, but also to those who are harsh."

2. Ephesians 6:5-9: This passage is similar to Colossians 3:22-25 and can be interpreted as a call to treat slaves with respect and dignity. The verse says, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Not only when their eye is on you and you are afraid, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good behavior and reverence, your enemies will be won over to the way of God. Slaves, be subject to your masters in all respects, not only those who are good and kind, but also to those who are harsh."

3. 1 Timothy 6:1-2: This passage is often cited as a justification for slavery, but it can also be interpreted as a call to treat slaves with dignity and respect. The verse says, "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their own masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who are slaves should be subject to their masters in everything; they must not just follow the example of the good but also of the bad."

4. Philemon 1:10-16: This passage is a letter written by Paul to Philemon, a Christian slave owner, asking him to forgive and accept back his runaway slave, Onesimus. The passage says, "I appeal to you, brother, on behalf of our sister Philemon, who is co-worker with me and with the church in your home. Receive her in the Lord, like a fellow worker, and give her all the encouragement you can. For she has been a great comfort to me and to many others, and they will all be glad to hear that you are standing firm in the Lord. And if you welcome Philemon, you welcome me, and if you welcome me, you welcome Christ. For if I have done anything superior, it is this: I ran the race according to the gospel. But now I am writing to you to stop doing what is wrong and to do what is right. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded. Have the same love, be one in spirit and of one mind. I plead with you, brother, as I would with Christ, to help these two—Philemon and Onesimus—because they are my fellow workers."

5. 1 Peter 2:18-25: This passage is often interpreted as a call to treat slaves with dignity and respect. The verse says, "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and kind, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you sin and are punished for it? But if you suffer for doing good and you bear it patiently, that is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He who has suffered in his body is finished with sin as far as earthly life is concerned. So let those who suffer according to God's will do what is right and take it from him, for it is better to suffer for doing good if that is what God has called you to, than to suffer as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler."

It's important to note that the New Testament does not provide a clear and explicit condemnation of slavery, but it does provide a framework for understanding the relationship between masters and slaves as one of mutual respect and dignity.