Why Didn’t Paul Condemn Slavery?

Why didn’t Paul condemn slavery? It’s a question many ask. In his letters, Paul speaks to both slaves and masters, but he never calls for an uprising. Instead, he aimed at something deeper. Paul knew governments and systems change slowly, but hearts can be changed by the gospel in a moment. And once hearts are transformed, the chains of slavery lose their power.

Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him” (Ephesians 6:5–9).

In a world where masters had total control, Paul told them to give up threatening. He reminded them that they also had a Master in heaven who showed no favoritism. This was radical teaching.

To the believers in Colossae he wrote, “Slaves, obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 3:22–4:1).

Here Paul planted the seed of equality. Slaves were told their work could honor Christ, and masters were commanded to treat them with justice and fairness. In a world that treated slaves like property, Paul was lifting their dignity.

The clearest picture comes in his letter to Philemon about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul wrote, “For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a short time, that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord” (Philemon 15–16).

Paul could have demanded Onesimus’ freedom, but instead he appealed to love. He pointed Philemon to the higher truth—that in Christ, Onesimus was a brother, not a slave.

This ties into his words in Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Paul’s goal was not to overthrow Rome. His mission was to preach Christ. He knew that transformed hearts would one day do what force never could—end slavery from the inside out. And in time, that’s exactly what happened.

Paul’s goal was never to rally slaves into revolt or to tear down Rome’s system with force. His goal was to bring Christ into people’s lives. Laws and empires shift slowly, but when the gospel reaches a heart, everything changes. A cruel master who bows to Christ becomes a brother. A slave who meets Jesus finds true freedom, even before chains are broken. Paul knew that when hearts are transformed by the Word of God, the systems of men will eventually crumble.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)