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How to Arrive at Truth Through Critical Thinking  /  The Fallacy of Presentism  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Bercot reads early Christian quotes (Barnabas, Ignatius, Aristides, Clement, Cyprian) about treating slaves gently and as brothers and sisters; what do these admonitions suggest about the early Christians’ assumptions regarding power, status, and “family” inside the church—and where do we still normalize status differences that the early church tried to soften?
Another way to ask: What do early Christian calls to treat slaves like brothers and sisters show about power and status inside the church? Where do we still accept status differences that the church should be working to lessen?

Direct Answer The quotes suggest early Christians assumed spiritual family in Christ should soften normal status boundaries: masters must not be bitter, slaves are fellow humans, and conversion makes them “brothers without any distinction.”

Support from Transcript:

  • Barnabas: “You will not issue orders with bitterness to your maidservant or your manservant who trust in the same God.”
  • Ignatius: “Do not disdain either male or female slaves,” while also warning against pride.
  • Aristides: Christians persuade slaves/children to become Christians and then “call them brothers without any distinction.”
  • Clement: servants are “human beings as we are,” and “God is the same to free and slave”; also, don’t use servants “as horses to carry him.”
  • Cyprian (and Ephesians): servants should serve “the better,” while “masters should be the more gentle,” “forbearing anger.”
  • Bercot notes this was “revolutionary teaching back then” and “considerably against the culture of their day.”
Discussion Follow-ups What modern “rank” differences remain strong in church life (wealth, education, race/ethnicity, job titles), even if we use family language? How could churches practice brotherhood in tangible ways without ignoring real responsibilities?

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