Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context The term "men-stealers" refers to individuals who engage in the act of kidnapping or enslaving others. This term is derived from the Greek word "andrapodistēs," which appears in the New Testament. Men-stealing is explicitly condemned in the Bible as a grievous sin, equated with other severe transgressions. Biblical References The primary biblical reference to men-stealers is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 , Paul lists men-stealers among those who are lawless and rebellious, stating: "We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching." Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient world, slavery was a common practice, and the act of kidnapping individuals to sell them into slavery was not uncommon. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, included strict prohibitions against kidnapping. Exodus 21:16 states: "Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." This law underscores the severity of the crime in the eyes of God and the community. Moral and Theological Implications The inclusion of men-stealers in the list of grave sins in 1 Timothy highlights the moral repugnance of the act. It is seen as a violation of the inherent dignity and freedom bestowed upon every human being by God. The act of stealing a person and reducing them to property is fundamentally opposed to the biblical understanding of human worth and the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). Relevance to Christian Ethics The condemnation of men-stealing in the Bible has been a foundational element in the Christian opposition to slavery and human trafficking throughout history. The recognition of the intrinsic value of every human life, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), forms the basis for the Christian advocacy for freedom and justice. The biblical stance against men-stealing serves as a call to Christians to oppose all forms of modern slavery and to work towards the liberation and restoration of those who are oppressed. Conclusion While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive legal code for every societal issue, its clear denunciation of men-stealing provides a moral compass for addressing issues of human trafficking and slavery. The biblical witness calls believers to uphold the dignity of every person and to act justly in the face of oppression. Library The Sophistical Arts Useless. 1 Timothy i. 7-May The Servants and the Pounds. Weighed in the Balances The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... Appeal to the Christian Women of the South John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... The Doctrine Thesaurus Menstealers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Menstealers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind ... /m/menstealers.htm - 6k Men-stealers (1 Occurrence) Menstrual (9 Occurrences) Lewd (37 Occurrences) Whoremongers (8 Occurrences) Men-slayers (1 Occurrence) Mankind (80 Occurrences) Perjured (1 Occurrence) Perverts (7 Occurrences) Abusers (2 Occurrences) Resources Are men and women equal in God's eyes? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW)? | GotQuestions.org Why are there so few men in the church? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Men-stealers (1 Occurrence)1 Timothy 1:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |