Question: I know God tells slaves to submit to their masters, but does this mean God had a problem with any slave rebellions? Profile:Male 18-30 North America
God has a problem with many of our actions and would likely not wish to see any slave rebellions. While the Bible does not condone slavery, it does talk about submitting to authority – as you note – but more important, Jesus tells us that the Two Greatest Commandments are to love God and love our neighbors as God loves them (Mark 12:28-31; John 14:34). If we follow these commandments, even where slavery exists, masters and slaves would acknowledge the dignity of the other and would treat each other accordingly (1 Timothy 6:1).
In the Old Testament, God said he heard the groans of the enslaved Israelites in Egypt and he delivered them from it (Exodus 3:4; Micah 6:4; Deuteronomy 5:6, 6:12). The lesson is to rely first on God when you face troubles (John 14:1). Jesus further instructs us to ask and we shall receive (Matthew 21:22; Luke 11:9-10). Of course, how and when God will provide comfort and remedy to unjust circumstances we never know. However, through faith, we can be assured that God will deliver us from our pain, certainly in heaven, if not here on earth also (Matthew 5:3-12).
In the New Testament, Paul often writes to remind us to submit to authority (Romans 13:1-5), including a specific request for slaves to do so with their masters (Titus 2:9-10). Peter also provides such instruction (1 Peter 2:18-19). Why is this?
Perhaps exhibiting acts of love and respect will alter the attitudes and actions of others towards you. In the case of slaves, masters may be more inclined to treat slaves as people with dignity rather than as chattel (Ephesians 6:5-9). In fact, God commanded the Jews to not mistreat their slaves by not working them on the Sabbath and by granting them freedom after seven years of service (Deuteronomy 5:14-15, 15:12-15).
Another reason God may not approve a revolt is that He tells us not to repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17-18). A slave rebellion, or any act of potential violence, could result in breaking any number of God’s commandments, including some of the “Big Ten”, e.g., kill, steal, covet (Exodus 20:13-17).
While slavery is abhorrent and the Bible does not condone it, neither does the Bible excuse rebellion. God’s laws are not man’s law. God’s love and mercy exceed anything we humans can exhibit through our own strength and devices. In the end, all are called to love God and love their neighbors (Romans 12:9, 14-16), including even our enemies (Matthew 5:44), knowing, as Paul tells us, all who do wrong will ultimately face judgment and pay the price (Colossians 3:22-25; Roman 12:19).
Used by permission from GotQuestions.org.
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