Culture Changing Power of the Gospel: 1 Timothy 6:1-2
“1) All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2) Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.” 1 Timothy 6:1-2
As Christianity spread in the Roman Empire, it eventually brought an end to numerous practices, including slavery. The book of Philemon is an example of the culture changing power of the Gospel in process.
These verses to Timothy captures two scenarios in this process. First, there were slaves who became Christians and needed to conduct themselves with godly character. Some had nonChristian masters and others had masters that became Christians. The latter were instructed to not take advantage of this situation.
Keep in mind, many slaves were indentured servants. They were working off debt or completing the terms of an internship. Becoming a Christian does not invalidate civil obligations. Personal debt is a great example. But Jesus Christ does change our attitude and work ethic.
Second, as Christianity spread, some slave masters became Christian’s. This radically impacted the way they were to treat their slaves or servants. They had to treat them as brethren and show Christian virtue.
As mentioned earlier, Christianity eventually brought an end to the institution of slavery. The gospel should change human culture. It should also change the way Christian employers treat employees. The gospel should show up in every human relationship for the Christian. The gospel has the power to change human culture.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global