Topical Bible: Servants: Divided Into: Bond

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In biblical times, the concept of servanthood was a significant aspect of social and economic life. Servants, often referred to as "bondservants" or "slaves," were individuals who were bound to serve their masters. The term "bondservant" is derived from the Greek word "doulos," which is frequently used in the New Testament to describe a servant who is legally owned by a master and is obligated to serve them.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, servitude was a common practice among the Israelites and their neighboring cultures. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of bondservants. For instance, in Exodus 21:2 , it is stated, "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." This regulation highlights the temporary nature of servitude among the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of freedom and the humane treatment of servants.

Leviticus 25:39-40 further elaborates on the treatment of bondservants: "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." This passage underscores the distinction between bondservants and hired workers, as well as the provision for eventual release and restoration of freedom.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of bondservants is addressed within the context of the Roman Empire, where slavery was a widespread institution. The apostle Paul frequently uses the term "doulos" to describe his own relationship with Christ, as well as the relationship of believers to God. In Romans 1:1 , Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God." Here, the term "servant" signifies a voluntary and devoted service to Christ, reflecting a spiritual bond rather than a physical one.

Ephesians 6:5-8 provides instructions for bondservants within the Christian community: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This passage emphasizes the importance of serving with integrity and sincerity, viewing one's service as ultimately rendered to the Lord.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of being a bondservant is also used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the believer's relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 7:22 , Paul writes, "For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who was free when called is Christ’s slave." This paradoxical statement highlights the spiritual freedom found in Christ, even for those who are physically bound as servants. It reflects the transformative power of the gospel, which redefines social and spiritual status.

The role of bondservants in the biblical narrative serves as a profound illustration of humility, obedience, and devotion. It challenges believers to consider their own service to God and others, recognizing that true freedom is found in wholehearted submission to the will of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:18
And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall on us, and take us for slaves, and our asses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:46
And you shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your slaves for ever: but over your brothers the children of Israel, you shall not rule one over another with rigor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ...
... the College of Helpers, and the College of Servants. ... property of the Church should
be divided into as many ... love, though a beautiful silken bond, is sometimes ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the church and.htm

Epistle Xli. To Cornelius, About Cyprian's Approval of his ...
... As was fitting for God's servants, and especially for ... power to bring the members
of the divided body into ... the Catholic Church, and associate them into the bond ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xli to cornelius about.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... he belonged, or whether he was bond or free ... the other outrages which his servants
are accustomed ... things, finally, their martyrdoms were divided into every form. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... descendants, as well as among the servants and freedmen of ... gives us the evidence
of the bond of sympathy ... of Parenzo, in Dalmatia, is divided into mosaic panels ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

Chapter xxxii
... is taken"his entire train is divided into two sections ... for itself, and he said to
his servants: Pass along ... for Jacob committed all the issues into God's hands ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Discouragements and Courage
... He divided them into two parts"one to work, one to watch. ... God's servants are widely
parted, by distance, by time, and, alas! by less justifiable causes. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/discouragements and courage.htm

Death, the Friend
... which is the whole Creation, is not divided against itself ... the subservience of all
things to Christ's servants very far ... gone but a very little way into life and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/death the friend.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... are peace; and that Christ was sent into the world to ... devil's kingdom be united,
and shall Christ's be divided? ... be found to smite their fellow-servants, and to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... Some, called servants, had to clean the wells ... the whole congregation was systematically
divided into ten "choirs ... Mother Earth, the same division into choirs was ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Sermons on the Card.
... Now behold and see, this card is divided into four parts ... whore, drab, and so forth,
into more blasphemous ... but that their children and servants shall incline and ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/sermons on the card.htm