Definition and Context
The term "menstealers" refers to individuals who engage in the act of kidnapping or enslaving others. This term is derived from the Greek word "andrapodistēs," which appears in the New Testament. Menstealing is considered a grave sin and is explicitly condemned in the Bible. The practice involves the unlawful taking and selling of human beings, treating them as property rather than as individuals created in the image of God.

Biblical References
The primary biblical reference to menstealers is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 , Paul lists menstealers among those who act contrary to sound doctrine: "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching."

Historical and Cultural Background
In the ancient world, slavery was a common practice, and the capturing and selling of individuals into slavery were prevalent. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, included regulations that sought to protect individuals from being unjustly enslaved. Exodus 21:16 states, "Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." This law underscores the severity of the crime of kidnapping and selling human beings.

Theological Implications
The condemnation of menstealing in the Bible highlights the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life. Each person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and thus, the act of reducing a person to mere property is a violation of God's created order. The New Testament's denunciation of menstealers aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes justice, mercy, and the inherent worth of every individual.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible's stance against menstealing serves as a foundation for the Christian opposition to slavery and human trafficking. The principles derived from Scripture have historically fueled movements for the abolition of slavery and continue to inspire efforts to combat modern-day human trafficking. Christians are called to uphold the dignity of all people and to work towards justice and freedom for those who are oppressed.

Relevance for Today
While the term "menstealers" may seem antiquated, the issue of human trafficking remains a pressing concern in contemporary society. The biblical condemnation of menstealing provides a clear mandate for Christians to engage in the fight against all forms of human exploitation. By advocating for the oppressed and working towards the eradication of human trafficking, believers can reflect the heart of God, who desires freedom and justice for all His creation.

1 Timothy i. 7-May
... "For murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers,
for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liers ...
/.../homily ii 1 timothy i.htm

Weighed in the Balances
... for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers,
for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... though to put this matter beyond all doubt, in that black catalogue of sins enumerated
in his first epistle to Timothy, he mentions "menstealers," which word ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Doctrine
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Menstealers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Menstealers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:10 For
whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind ...
/m/menstealers.htm - 6k

Whoremongers (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other ...
/w/whoremongers.htm - 8k

Men-slayers (1 Occurrence)
Men-slayers. Men-singers, Men-slayers. Menstealers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Men-singers, Men-slayers. Menstealers . Reference Bible.
/m/men-slayers.htm - 6k

Men-stealers (1 Occurrence)
Men-stealers. Menstealers, Men-stealers. Menstrual . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Menstealers, Men-stealers. Menstrual . Reference Bible.
/m/men-stealers.htm - 6k

Mankind (80 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other ...
/m/mankind.htm - 30k

Perjured (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other ...
/p/perjured.htm - 7k

Abusers (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers,
for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to ...
/a/abusers.htm - 7k

Swearers (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers,
for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to ...
/s/swearers.htm - 6k

Defile (63 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other ...
/d/defile.htm - 38k

Persons (156 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other ...
/p/persons.htm - 38k

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