A slave and the Greatest Apostle

Discussion

A Bond-Servant (Literally slave) and an Apostle

Normally a slave and an apostle are not simultaneous characteristics. With a major philosopher, they have followers and acolytes who take the mantel over time, so why would Peter start his second letter with such a derogatory term? By understanding the historical context of slavery along with a rudimentary understanding of the Gospel, we will appreciate and find joy in being God’s bond-servants.

Contrasting slavery in historical Rome with 21st century Free-states

In a developed free state, such as America, being a slave is a severe negative social status, even unjust state of an individual that comes from an oppressive government. Contrast this in the days of the Roman Empire, where the term bond-servants had different and diverse meanings and positions of notable responsibility. In a broad sense (and to keep the topic simple), slavery was through war, penal code, and by financial or personal hardship. The first group was permanent and had no rights, the second group temporary or permanent depending on the reason, and the last group entered into a social contract whereby the master provided food and shelter in return for faithful work.

Notably, do not confuse slavery with a contractor position. Firstly, slavery had little avenues for redress of grievances depending on the agreement; masters could be kind men or cruel individuals. However, in general, Roman ethos led a majority of slave masters to defend their lives from the outside and treat their servants well enough with food and shelter in return for their loyal services.

Circling back to Peter’s introduction

So, why would Peter proudly state he was a bond-servant? Only Christ can make being a slave and the greatest apostle an honor. In Scripture, we are all slaves of sin since our birth, and we are captive to its consequences. While Peter will expand on this, it is critical to understand our new master is Christ at the cross. Unlike regular slave masters, our master is the Creator who loves us, takes care of our needs at all times, and defending our souls.

Peter’s safety in Christ, then, is more than being free from sin and rooted instead in Christ’s ownership of Peter’s life; Sin can never overcome Jesus. That is why Peter proudly states he is a bond-servant to the people in Rome.

Key Points

1. We are all slaves to something. Either to sin or to Christ. Only Christ takes the impossibility of being a slave and the greatest apostle and makes it something to find pride.
2. Christ has purchased the believer. Moreover, his contract means He cares for us and shall protect us from sin’s judgement after death.

Conclusion

The author Peter was to die not long after this letter was received (history says by hanging upside down a cross crucified). Yet, what he clung on was Christ’s righteousness was sufficient. A righteousness that was not from a man but part of the Triune God!

My friends, that is the Gospel. That we put our hope and faith in our only God and Savior, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

Peter wrote to encourage the Church in Rome. He also writes the same today… will you hear Jesus’ voice? If you have already heard Jesus, is Peter’s faith what you cling to today?

Application

1. Status is nothing compared to the comfort of being owned by God.
2. If you are not yet a follower of Christ, you are still a slave to sin and to death.

Correction

• Do you crave status? This is not the mind of the greatest apostle, Peter.
  • Does being a slave offend you?
• Does your life presently look like a Christian that is a slave to God and not sin?
  • What areas have you forgotten you position in Christ?

Encouragement

• God is the best Master who loves us like no other!
• Even if I am low in stature, in Christ I am an honored slave.
• If Peter can be comforted as a bond-servant, I can find confidence in my low position