Family Bible Time: Slavery and Scripture
Family guide · Slavery and Scripture · Exodus 21:1-11; Philemon; 1 Timothy 1:8-11 · about 15 minutes
Big idea: Biblical slavery texts span different institutions and trajectories and must not be used to sanitise modern racial chattel slavery.
In about 15 minutes, read Exodus 21:1-11; Philemon; 1 Timothy 1:8-11 and explore this big idea: Biblical slavery texts span different institutions and trajectories and must not be used to sanitise modern racial chattel slavery.
The 15-minute flow
- 2 minConnect. Recall where Slavery and Scripture fits in the Bible story.
- 5 minRead. Read or retell Exodus 21:1-11; Philemon; 1 Timothy 1:8-11 and notice two details.
- 3 minUnderstand. Ask what the passage directly says and what meaning follows from it.
- 3 minPlay. Use the Slavery and Scripture Claim Audit orally or on paper.
- 2 minRespond. Choose one voluntary response and pray together.
Talk about it
- What happened or what was taught?
- What does this show us about God, Jesus, or faithful life?
- What is one response we can practise?
This week
Action: Choose one concrete response connected to this lesson and practise it this week.
Prayer: Thank God for what is clear in the passage; ask for wisdom to respond faithfully without claiming more than the text supports.
Note for parents: Questions are welcome. Do not force disclosure, certainty, public prayer, baptism, or another public religious decision.