2:18
The Bible and slavery is a contentious issue, and one which is often used to “beat” Christians with (quite inappropriate really). It should also be noted that the ESV uses “servants” rather than “slaves” (NIV), and this probably more accurately translates the Greek word.The argument made against Christianity is often “why does the Bible condone (or support) slavery?”. Several things need to be said. The first is that there are all sorts of slavery. We tend to think of the trafficking of people from Africa to Europe or America such as took place in the 17 and 1800’s. That is not the slavery that is spoken about in the Bible. Slavery was an integral part of the economic system, and many people would be a slave for a period of time. However, as this verse recognises, slavery was definitely not a bed of roses. Indeed the New Testament encourages people to gain their freedom if that was possible. But slaves are also urged to be good workers, even if they have a bad boss. This is something that we can all apply to our own lives.
2:19
Why should a slave serve even a bad master well? I is because it is commendable to bear up under suffering because of our knowing the Lord. Again, this is something we can all apply to our lives. All of us go through tough times at some point in our lives. Some go through this at many points, or for prolonged periods of time. We are in a relationship with the Lord, and if that relationship affects how we act, or react, in various circumstances then it helps to build that relationship.
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