Paul’s Discourse on Slavery and Freedomin the Light of Stoic Philosophy

Sammanfattning: This thesis focuses on Paul’s view on freedom for believers in the context ofslavery. Paul’s understanding comes through in his metaphorical usage of slavelanguage in 1 Cor 7:20-24. In this thesis, a comparison between the teaching ofPaul and that of the Stoics Seneca, Musonius, and Epictetus will support myinterpretation of Paul’s opinion regarding slavery and freedom. I first explore howPaul and the three Stoics advocate for their understanding of freedom for slaves,and then I compare Paul’s theological interpretation with the moral values of thethree Stoics. There is no doubt that Paul, Seneca, Musonius and Epictetus wereaware of the cruel physical judgments and hardships, which slaves suffered in thecontext of slavery. Though neither Paul nor the three Stoics expressed an intentionto terminate the existing hierarchical social structure and slavery system, they alsodid not ignore the physical judgments and hardships placed upon slaves. Theteachings of Paul, Seneca, Musonius and Epictetus testify that they had a commonwill to end, or at least reduce, the exploitation and dehumanization of slaves. Theircommon interest is to promote the possibility of freedom, equal fairness and kindlytreatments for slaves. Both groups preferred freedom and dignity for human beingsby ignoring the social standards and social identification of the Roman society.However, they emphasized inner freedom rather than the social freedom of the slaves.Aim of thesis: To compare Paul’s attitude to slavery and his metaphoricallanguage of slavery and freedom with that of the Stoic philosophers, Seneca,Epictetus, and Musonius.