Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 125th. Edition.
Dear Bondservants of Christ,
Today’s passage (1 Peter 2:18-20) presents a challenge, because of the implication that Christian servants should endure abuse. The socio-political context prevailing then needs to be taken into consideration, lest we mistakenly conclude that Peter condones slavery and abuse. At that time, anywhere between a third and two-thirds of the whole Roman empire comprised slaves.
The vast majority of laborers and domestic workers were slaves, some by choice, others by default. Masters had the power of life and death over their slaves and abuse was common. While this is unacceptable by present standards, it was the norm at the time. Society changes slowly and the apostles and early Christians were aware of this. There are times when change, as desirable as it may be, can cause more harm if it is done quickly. I repeat, a bad, oppressive system is to be preferred to chaos.
Submission (v. 18). Servants (read slaves) are encouraged to submit to their masters, irrespective of the treatment by the masters. Submission is more an attitude of heart than a set of actions. It is the willingness of heart to put oneself under the leadership and authority of another. In truth, submission cannot be imposed. Any attempt to impose submission-only results in oppression. That is why so many men abuse their wives because they have not understood that submission is the wife’s prerogative. They may get compliance but seldom, submission. Servants ought to be submissive, of their own free will.
Suffering (v. 19-20). Submission does not ensure fairness. A submissive servant may still be abused and treated unfairly. But when one suffers wrongfully, one’s conscience is clear before God. Knowing that you have done the right thing, no matter how people respond, is the recipe for peace in the midst of turmoil. But doing wrong and suffering for it earns one no “Brownie Points.” One can endure all one cares to, the fact remains that when one is at fault, it justifies punitive action. We should never ignore the quest for justice but we also need to be aware of the prevailing circumstances around us.
There are times when accepting an injustice can give us more mileage than resistance. O for wisdom to know how to respond!
Your Loving Pastor Chris.