1 Peter 2 Footnotes

2:18-25 People today often ask why NT writers did not criticize the institution of slavery or advocate its overthrow. But we must recall the social situation of the young churches in the Roman Empire. They lacked political power and could do nothing to dismantle the institution. Further, NT writers were not social revolutionaries (see 1Co 7:17-24). They did not believe that overhauling social structures would transform culture. Rather, their primary concern was the relationship of individuals to God, and they focused on the sin and rebellion of individuals against their Creator. These writers, therefore, did not complain about the oppression imposed by others but concentrated instead on the godly response of believers to mistreatment.

If enough individuals are transformed, society as a whole benefits and the Christian faith begins to function as a leavening influence. We are keenly aware from history that Christians have too often failed to live righteously, yet we may also fail to see that the Christian faith has been a force for good in Western civilization. History demonstrates the impact of Christian faith on social structures. One of these consequences was the eradication of slavery. A realistic appraisal of history includes both the evil and the good professing Christians have accomplished.

It is crucial to note that the NT nowhere commends slavery as a social structure. It nowhere roots it in the created order, as if slavery were an institution ordained by God. The contrast with marriage is remarkable at this point. God ordained the institution of marriage, but slavery was invented by fallen humans. The NT regulated the institution of slavery as it existed in society, but it did not commend it per se. Hence, Peter’s words on slavery should not be interpreted as an endorsement for the system—even if he did not denounce the institution.