The word or term most often used in the Bible for God’s people is slaves. However, this has been covered up by most Bible translations, which have substituted the word “servant” for “slave.” When the biblical writers—and Jesus Christ Himself—refer to us as slaves, what did they have in mind? A careful look at slavery as practiced in the first-century Roman Empire and the slavery we know from American history reveals major differences and helps us better understand why God calls us His slaves—and what that means for our relationship and future with Him. We also examine some of the key differences between servants and slaves in the first century to better understand why we are slaves of God rather than mere servants. This is part 1 of a multi-part series.

Scott Ashley

United Church of God Pastor, Beyond Today Managing Editor

Scott Ashley is managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado. 
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he has worked for 50 years.