I. Contextualization of the Biblical Account
1. There is a massive cultural gap in our understanding
2. Our concept of slavery is not their concept of slavery
3. Ancient world slavery was similar to military life,
indentured service, or cooperative life
4. There were highly educated, skilled slaves
5. Slavery was not the lowest economic position

II. The Issue of Slavery
1. Uneducated arguments (Exodus 21:1, 7)
2. Kidnapping was punishable by death (Exodus 21:16)
3. OT slavery was an alternative to jail or debt
4. OT slavery had strong limitation (Lev. 25:42, Deut. 5:14)
5. OT slavery was for a time (Exodus 21:2)
6. A slave could run away at any time (Deut. 23:15-16)
7. OT slavery was sometimes a willing institute (Ex. 21:5-6)
8. NT Paul told slaves to earn their freedom (1 Cor. 7:21)

III. Slaves / Employees (6:5-8)
1. Obey with fear and trembling (6:5)
2. Obey with a sincere heart/integrity (6:5)
3. Obey as you would with the Messiah (6:6)
4. Obey not in appearance (6:6)
5. Rendering service with goodwill (6:7)
Proverbs 22:29

IV. Masters / Bosses (6:9)
1. Do the same to them
2. Stop threatening
3. Know that you have a master, too