...thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted.
Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness.
Roman civilization depended upon two economic principles: patronage and slavery. When powerful people wanted to get something done, they told their slaves to do it, or they looked for the help of more powerful persons -- their patrons -- to help them. There was money, of course, to pay for things; and there was knowledge about how things can be done. But of the three kinds of capitals -- money, knowledge, and connections -- the last was the most important. It wasn't what you know, it was who you know.
Slaves were subject people. They had been conquered by foreign invaders, usually the Roman army, and forced to serve their conquerors. Most were subjugated in their own homeland, but many were taken from their native lands to foreign places, as the "ten lost tribes" were removed from Israel, and the Jews were taken from Jerusalem and Judah to Babylon.
The system was hugely unfair, but what system isn't? They only seem fair to those who are content with their lot, whether they be rich or poor, powerful or weak. During the New Testament era, Rome knew nothing of Christianity but its Roman system of slavery was not nearly as savage as the American, which was perpetuated by ostensibly Christian persons. Roman law offered some protection from their masters; and many slaves were skilled, educated, and lived comfortably.
As Saint Paul served the Gospel, he saw that the worse form of slavery is to one's own needs, impulses, fears, passions and desires. Those who cannot see beyond these chains need a human master to control them for theirs is an animal existence. Their memory teaches them only fear and greed, and they think nothing of the future. That form of slavery persists today in the form of addictions to alcohol and drugs, and is mimicked by many compulsive obsessions.
Paul found his freedom in serving the Lord, and he urged it upon citizens and slaves alike. His bondage was to a demanding God who would be served at every hour of the day and night, but who commands his servants to rest, be healed, study, work, love, pray, and play.
There are no vacations from the spiritual life; there is no place far removed from God's sovereign authority. He might command his servants to take care of the body and its desires, or he might require martyrdom. But, like all good leaders, the Lord will never ask of his people what he does not demand of himself.
And that is why we serve the Lord with great humility. (also Acts 20:19)
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.