Episode 70: Slavery

Slavery was a prominent feature of Roman society and its households, even in Christian households. We could wish for Paul to speak out boldly against the institution of slavery, but he doesn’t. Indeed, he spends more time teaching slaves to obey their masters than he does teaching the members of the nuclear family (Col 3:22-25). Still, he attempts to transform the institution from the inside out, as he does other household relationships. And what he teaches is of particular importance, given the controversy that pit the interests of a Colossian slave against his Christian owner.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)