Definition and Historical Context:

Slave-traders, in the biblical context, refer to individuals or groups involved in the capture, buying, selling, and trading of human beings as property. This practice is condemned in various parts of Scripture, reflecting the moral and ethical standards set forth by biblical teachings.

Biblical References:

The Bible addresses the issue of slavery and slave-trading in several passages, often highlighting the immorality and injustice associated with the practice. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul explicitly condemns slave-traders in his first letter to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 , Paul lists slave-traders among those who act contrary to sound doctrine: "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."

Old Testament Context:

In the Old Testament, the practice of slavery is acknowledged, but there are specific laws and regulations given to the Israelites to ensure the humane treatment of slaves. For instance, 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 verse underscores the gravity of the crime of kidnapping and selling individuals, equating it with a capital offense.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The biblical condemnation of slave-trading is rooted in the inherent value and dignity of every human being, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The practice of trading human lives for profit is fundamentally opposed to the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and love for one's neighbor. The Bible calls for the protection of the vulnerable and the oppressed, as seen in passages like Proverbs 31:8-9 : "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."

New Testament Teachings:

The New Testament further emphasizes the equality and unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of social status. In Galatians 3:28 , Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which breaks down social barriers and calls for a community where all are valued equally.

Conclusion:

While the Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery in ancient times, it consistently upholds principles that undermine the legitimacy of slave-trading. The biblical narrative points towards a vision of justice and equality, where every person is recognized as a bearer of God's image and deserving of dignity and respect.

Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in ...
... His route was along the path of slave traders, and every few days he came to some
place where a poor woman had fainted in the chain- gang and had been strapped ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iii sermon at the second.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South. <. ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Slave-traders (1 Occurrence)
Slave-traders. Slave's, Slave-traders. Slaving . Multi-Version
Concordance Slave-traders (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 1 ...
/s/slave-traders.htm - 6k

Kidnapers (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/k/kidnapers.htm - 6k

Liars (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/l/liars.htm - 10k

Immoral (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/i/immoral.htm - 11k

Traders (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/t/traders.htm - 15k

Perjurers (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/p/perjurers.htm - 7k

Sexually (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/s/sexually.htm - 9k

Slave's (2 Occurrences)

/s/slave's.htm - 6k

Slaving (1 Occurrence)

/s/slaving.htm - 6k

Homosexuals (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine ...
/h/homosexuals.htm - 7k

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