V
THE SLAVE IN EARLY CHRISTIAN LIFE
There was ever present in these early assemblies of
Christians one class of persons who had no rank, no
place in Roman society,—a class in which Cicero had
declared that nothing great or noble could exist. Slavery
has been well characterized as the "most frightful feature of
the corruption of ancient Rome, and it extended through
every class of the community." Economically, "the poor
citizen found almost all the spheres in which an honourable
livelihood might be obtained, wholly or at least in a very
great part preoccupied by slaves." Morally, "the slave
population was a hotbed of vice, and it contaminated all
with which it came in contact."[1]
Now what position did the slave occupy in early Christian society? It is quite clear that the primitive Christians had no idea of abolishing slavery. It was part of the ancient society, and they accepted it even amongst themselves—apparently made no effort to abolish it; but the view they took of it in reality dealt a death-blow to the unhappy and miserable institution. It is true that whilst Christianity gradually modified its most painful and objectionable features by example and by precept, it was only after long, long years that it succeeded by a bloodless revolution to wipe away the awful curse—"The mills of God grind slowly."
But the New Testament simply directs slaves to be faithful and obedient. In the letter to Philemon, Paul never even hints at the release of the slave Onesimus, who was very dear to him.
In 1 Cor. vii. 20, Paul urges every man to abide in the calling (i.e. the state of life or condition) in which he was when he was called to God; and even advises the slave to be content
1 Lecky, European Morals, chap. ii., "The Pagan Empire."
