Slavery in the Roman and Jewish Contexts

Slavery in the Roman Empire

• Chattel slavery, where the owner had almost absolute control over slaves, was widespread in the Roman Empire
• Slaves were considered property, and could be sold, branded, and beaten.
• Although some, notably Stoics, wrote of the inherent humanity of slaves and advocated for humane treatment, no one rejected the institution of slavery.
• Roman slavery was not race-based; individuals were enslaved primarily through war or birth, with slaves serving in various roles from estate managers to field laborers.
• Slaves could be manumitted, gaining Roman citizenship.

Slavery in Jewish Communities

• Limited information exists about slavery in Jewish communities.
• Philo and Josephus, along with early Rabbinic literature, accept slavery while advocating for humane treatment and common humanity for all.
• The Cairo Damascus Document suggests some practice of slavery within Jewish communities.
• Jews themselves were enslaved during the Roman-Jewish wars.
• The Mishnah integrates slaves into its system and distinguishes between Israelite and non-Israelite slaves, with the former enjoying more protections.
• Rabbinic law, while not abolishing slavery, imposed stricter regulations on slave-owner power than Roman law.

Slavery and the Early Church

• Paul, while not condemning slavery, viewed slaves as equal in relation to salvation: "in Christ," all are freed from sin and death and enslaved to God.
• The Gospels assume slavery as part of the societal order, featuring slaves in stories and parables.
• Household codes in various New Testament books mandate slave obedience to masters, using a theological basis for this obligation.
• Neither the institutions of pagan Rome or those of Judaism and Christianity fundamentally challenged the practice of slavery.