Note 3 at 1 Tim. 6:2: Paul never used his influence for social change, even in this appalling situation of slavery (see note 6 at 1 Cor. 7:21, p. 894). Some might argue that he couldn't have changed the practice of slavery so what would have been the use of trying. It's true that Paul might not have been able to change the whole Roman world, but he certainly had the power to stop, or at least limit slavery among the Christians.

Paul's passiveness toward slavery and social change would be offensive to many Christians today. It is popular in our day and age to preach social change as an obligation and duty of every Christian. That was not Paul's approach.

Paul didn't outlaw slavery but rather told the Christian slaves to honor their masters. In the case where a Christian slave had a Christian master, Paul told him to serve his master all the more because they were brethren. This would infuriate social activists today. They would see that as approval of the situation.

The Bible and Paul didn't approve of slavery or any other wrong of man toward man, but the true power of Christianity is not mobilizing its members to political action. The power of the Gospel changes the hearts of men, one at a time. If every Christian was an activist in sharing the good news with everyone he came in contact with, then hearts would change. When that happened in enough people, political and social change would follow.

Our preoccupation with our physical situations speaks volumes. Those who crusade for physical justice over spiritual justice and freedom miss the point. Those who are free in spirit are free indeed (Jn. 8:36), regardless of their physical circumstances. Our primary purpose always has been and always should be, to share the good news of our freedom in Christ with others.

Note 4 at 1 Tim. 6:2: The question is asked, "What about slaves that have believing masters?" Since all believers are one in Christ, a slave could reason that his master should no longer treat him as a slave, he should have special treatment. Paul said that instead of getting favors, the slave should serve the master all the better, since the master is a believer and beloved.

We should never use Christianity for our own advantage. As brothers in Christ we should try to out do one another in blessing and courtesy toward our brethren and others. These things we are to teach and exhort one another to do.

Once again, this is a foreign way of thinking to modern Christians because they have a love for self that is usually greater than their love for God and other people. However, Paul is the one who had it right. We should love God first, others second and ourselves last. It's in losing our lives that we really find life (Mt. 10:39; 16:25). It's only when we die to our selves that we really live (Jn. 12:25).