Topical Encyclopedia The term "fellow-bondmen" refers to individuals who share a common status of servitude or bondage, often within the context of ancient societal structures. In the biblical narrative, the concept of bondmen or servants is prevalent, reflecting the socio-economic realities of the times. The term is used to describe those who are bound to serve another, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and it often carries a spiritual connotation in the New Testament.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "servant" or "bondman" is "ebed." This term encompasses a range of servitude, from voluntary service to indentured servitude due to debt or poverty. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bondmen, emphasizing humane treatment and the eventual release of Hebrew servants. For instance, Exodus 21:2 states, "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything." The concept of fellow-bondmen is also evident in the communal and covenantal aspects of Israelite society. Leviticus 25:39-40 instructs, "If your brother among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, you must not force him into slave labor. Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek term "doulos" is commonly used to denote a servant or bondman. The early Christian community often used the language of servitude to describe their relationship with Christ and one another. This is evident in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who frequently refers to himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1). The concept of fellow-bondmen takes on a spiritual dimension in the New Testament, where believers are seen as fellow servants of Christ, bound together in service to God and one another. Revelation 6:11 speaks of the martyrs who were given white robes and told to "rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been." Spiritual Implications The notion of being fellow-bondmen in Christ emphasizes unity, humility, and mutual service within the body of believers. Jesus Himself modeled servanthood, as seen in Philippians 2:7, where it is said that He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This servanthood is not one of compulsion but of willing submission and love. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Galatians 5:13, urging believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This call to serve one another as fellow-bondmen in Christ underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which redefines relationships and societal norms. Conclusion The biblical concept of fellow-bondmen serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, highlighting themes of service, humility, and community. It calls believers to a life of mutual submission and love, reflecting the servanthood of Christ and the unity of the Spirit. Concordance Fellow-bondmen (4 Occurrences)Matthew 18:28 Matthew 18:31 Matthew 24:49 Revelation 6:11 Thesaurus Fellow-bondmen (4 Occurrences)Fellow-bondmen. Fellow-bondman, Fellow-bondmen. Fellow-captive . Multi-Version Concordance Fellow-bondmen (4 Occurrences). ... /f/fellow-bondmen.htm - 7k Greatly (297 Occurrences) Grieved (87 Occurrences) Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) Fellow-captive (2 Occurrences) Throttled (1 Occurrence) Recounted (12 Occurrences) Bondman (108 Occurrences) Anything (462 Occurrences) Seized (118 Occurrences) Resources Is the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.org Who was Archippus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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