The ancient Hebrews both kept slaves of their own and were themselves enslaved. On occasion, the entire nation was reduced in status to that of slaves, first in Egypt and later in Babylon. Despite the laments about the subject, at no point in the Bible is the principle of slavery condemned. Even St Paul, that staunch evangelist for Christ’s teaching, did not see anything wrong with humans being bought and sold. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul said, ‘Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling’ (Eph. 6:5).
