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Does The Bible Condone Slavery?
Hello, Church Family!
This week we look once again at silly things non-Christians say and believe about Christianity. This week we are looking at the argument that the Bible condones and endorses slavery. Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “The Bible support slavery” or “How can Christians take the Bible seriously when it doesn’t outright condemn such a practice?” I want us to think carefully, biblically, and compassionately about questions like these.
First, let’s understand the motivation. Many who ask about this topic genuinely care about justice. Our culture rightly recoils at the thought of slavery, especially because of our nation’s own tragic history with race-based chattel slavery, an evil system built on kidnapping, dehumanization, and lifelong oppression. The wounds caused by slavery are real and deep.
So, let’s directly address the claim: Does the Bible condone or support slavery in the way we understand it today? The answer is a clear and resounding “No!”
When the Bible refers to “slavery”, particularly in the Old Testament, it’s speaking into an ancient world where forms of servitude existed as part of the social and economic structure.
Often, “slavery” in that context was akin to indentured servanthood, in which people would work for a limited period (usually to repay debts or escape poverty), and were to be released after six years (Deuteronomy 15:12). Importantly, the Old Testament repeatedly commanded that slaves be treated humanely and generously and kidnapping a person to sell as a slave was a capital crime (Exodus 21:16).
The New Testament speaks into a world where up to one-third of the Roman population were slaves. In those days, slaves included doctors, teachers, and civil servants; ancient slavery was not race-based nor inherently permanent.
Nevertheless, the gospel message of Christ began to undermine the foundation of all forms of human bondage. Paul’s letter to Philemon, for example, urged a slave owner to receive his escaped slave, Onesimus, back as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 16). These words were radical in their setting, asserting the equality and dignity of every believer.
Furthermore, the Bible consistently upholds the truth that every human being has inherent dignity and worth as an image-bearer of God (Genesis 1:27). Paul famously declared, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The unity of the church across social, ethnic, and gender lines was unheard of in the ancient world.
Some will object that the Bible doesn’t call for the immediate abolition of slavery. But consider: God’s Word often speaks into broken human cultures, planting seeds of truth that ultimately bring transformation.
The message of the gospel subverts oppression everywhere it goes. Throughout history, Christians have been at the forefront of abolition, William Wilberforce and Frederick Douglass, for example, drew their conviction to fight slavery from the Word of God.
The tragic reality is that some, even in Christian history, twisted Scripture to support unjust systems. This was wrong and opposed to God’s heart for justice. Our responsibility today is to read the Bible carefully, recognizing its redemptive trajectory, and to treat every person with dignity as our Lord commands.
So, church family, let’s be unwavering: The Bible, rightly understood, does not support slavery as we think of it. Rather, it unfolds the story of a God who liberates, loves justice, and welcomes all into His family through Christ. May we be people who reflect both truth and grace as we respond to such weighty concerns in our community and witness for the living Christ. We are all one in Christ!
Pastor Justin Wyckoff
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