Paul does not advocate for the immediate freedom of slaves. He took the social structure as it existed and sought to change it through peaceful means.1 His basic teaching is that slaves must wholeheartedly obey their masters and masters are to be kind to their slaves (Ephesians 6:9). In this way, slavery would be abolished gradually from within. The transformation of individuals precedes and leads to the transformation of society (1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:16).2
5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,