LESSON X.
The Christian Scriptures use the institution of slavery figuratively, in illustration of the Christian character and duty, and also in happy illustration of the providences of God to man.
“Who is that faithful and wise servant, (δοῦλος, doulos, slave,) whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave,) whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. But if that evil servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, (συνδούλους, sundoulous, fellow-slaves,) and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant (δούλου, doulou, slave) shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of.” “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, (δούλους, doulous, slaves,) and delivered unto them his goods.” “His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant, (δοῦλε, doule, slave,) thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, (δοῦλε, doule, slave,) thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed,” &c. “And cast ye the unprofitable servant (δοῦλον, doulon, slave) into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. xxiv. 45–50 xxv. 14, 30.
“And he called his servants (δούλους, doulous, slaves), and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants (δούλους, doulous, slaves) to be called unto him, to whom he had given money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant (δοῦλε, doule, slave), because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” “And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant, (δοῦλε, doule, slave.) Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow.” Luke xix. 13–28.
“Blessed is that servant, (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. But if that servant (δοῦλους, doulos, slave) say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the men-servants (τοὺς παῖδας, male-slaves) and maidens, (τὰς παιδίσκας, female slaves,) and to eat and drink and be drunken; the lord of that servant (δούλον, doulou, slave,) will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder.” “And that servant (δοῦλος, slave) which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” Luke xii. 43–48.
Here is an instance when the most favourite slave, called by the term expressing such favouritism, when supposed to be disobedient, is immediately designated by the term δοῦλος, doulos.
“Blessed are those servants (δοῦλοι, douloi, slaves) whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching; and if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants,” (δοῦλοι, douloi, slaves.) Luke xii. 37, 38.
“And sent his servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) at supper-time,” &c. * * * “So that servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) came and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant,” (δούλῳ, doulo, slave.) “And the servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) said, Lord, it is done. And the lord said unto the servant, (δοῦλον, doulon, slave,) Go out into the highway,” &c. Luke xiv. 17–23.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free, (ἐλευθερώσει, eleutherosei, free.) They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, we were never in bondage (δεδουλεύκαμεν, dedouleukamen, slavery) to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin, (δοῦλος, doulos, slave.) And the servant (δοῦλος, doulos, slave) abideth not in the house for ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John viii. 32–35.
“But which of you, having a servant (δοῦλον, doulon, slave) ploughing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shall eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant (δούλῳ, slave) because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants (δοῦλοι, slaves): we have done that which was our duty to do.” Luke xvii. 7–10.
In all these instances slavery is made a lesson of instruction, and always in the position commendable.