Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "freedman" referred to a person who had been released from slavery. The concept of a freedman is significant in understanding the social and cultural dynamics of the ancient world, particularly within the context of the Roman Empire and early Christian communities.Historical Context In the Roman Empire, slavery was a common institution, and slaves could be found in various roles, from household servants to laborers and skilled artisans. A slave could be freed by their master through a formal process known as manumission. Once freed, these individuals were known as freedmen (or freedwomen), and they often continued to work in similar roles as they did while enslaved, but with greater personal autonomy and legal rights. Freedmen were not entirely equal to those born free, as they often retained certain obligations to their former masters, now termed patrons. Despite these limitations, freedmen could achieve significant social mobility, and their descendants could eventually attain full citizenship rights. Biblical References The New Testament provides insight into the lives and roles of freedmen within the early Christian church. The Book of Acts mentions a synagogue of Freedmen in Jerusalem: "But some from the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from Cilicia and Asia—rose up and disputed with Stephen" (Acts 6:9). This passage highlights the presence and active participation of freedmen in religious and communal life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addresses the social distinctions between slaves and free individuals, emphasizing the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This theological perspective was revolutionary, challenging the prevailing social norms and offering a new identity rooted in faith rather than social status. Cultural and Theological Implications The presence of freedmen in the early church underscores the inclusive nature of the Christian message. The early Christian communities were composed of diverse social groups, including slaves, freedmen, and free citizens, all united by their faith in Jesus Christ. This inclusivity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends social and cultural barriers. Theologically, the concept of freedom is central to the Christian faith. The liberation from physical slavery serves as a metaphor for the spiritual freedom offered through Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). This freedom is understood as liberation from the bondage of sin and the law, offering believers a new life in Christ. Conclusion The role of freedmen in the biblical narrative and early Christian communities highlights the transformative impact of the Gospel on social structures. By embracing individuals from all walks of life, the early church exemplified the radical inclusivity and equality that are foundational to Christian teaching. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A man who has been a slave, and has been set free.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FREEDMAN; FREEMANfred'-man, fre'-man: The term occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:22 Colossians 3:11, and Revelation 6:15, and represents two slightly different words. In 1 Corinthians 7:22 the word is apeleutheros, "a freeman," one who was born a slave and has received freedom. In this case it refers to spiritual freedom. He that was in bondage to sin has been presented with spiritual freedom by the Lord. In Revelation 6:15 the word is simply eleutheros, "a free man" as opposed to a slave. Greek 558. apeleutheros -- one freed away, ie a freedman ... one freed away, ie a freedman. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: apeleutheros Phonetic Spelling: (ap-el-yoo'-ther-os) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/558.htm - 6k 3032. Libertinos -- Freedman, the name of a synagogue Library Slaves and Free Christianity in Rome. Quotations from the Lxx. In Early Christian Writings. The Epistle to the Colossians. Christian Cemeteries. Note 1 Paul Before Felix. Roman Chronology to the Death of M. Aurelius. Tryphena and Tryphosa Prolegomena Thesaurus Freedman (1 Occurrence)... (n.) A man who has been a slave, and has been set free. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FREEDMAN; FREEMAN. ... Multi-Version Concordance Freedman (1 Occurrence). ... /f/freedman.htm - 7k Subapostolic Sub-apostolic Procurator Nero Freed (32 Occurrences) Narcissus (2 Occurrences) Freeman (9 Occurrences) Freedom (45 Occurrences) Freedmen (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and why are they important? | GotQuestions.orgFreedman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Freedman (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 7:22 Subtopics Related Terms |