š¬š§ Glory be to Jesus Christ! š
The reading is a continuation of
yesterdayās, which can be found here (and has verse 33 in common):
04102023.html
In general, Paul in the reading teaches honour and respect for people, regardless of their position, both for personal and social relations and conditions, circumstances. After all, parents and children are bound by personal relationships, and masters and slaves were bound by social relationships, mostly because of the social order. Both examples (and all those in between) are aimed at making believers understand that they are equal in the eyes of God, that the Lord is Lord (Master) over all, that doing Godās will is more important than social position.
We can also say that what the apostle warns against here is a manifestation of disrespect. The faithful are called not only to respect but also to love, but deep, true love is impossible without respect for the dignity of the other person as well as oneās own.
Some people think that Paul does not consider slavery to be a bad thing. Firstly, it must be said that Paul nowhere praises or glorifies slavery either in general or in its essence. So, Paul does not justify slavery. Nor does he call for its overthrow. In order to overthrow slavery, a rebellion was necessary. It was not Godās will for such a rebellion to take place at that time, so Paul does not write anything about it. He also mentions Moses, who, by Godās will, led the Israelites out of slavery in even more ancient times, when society was much less developed.
Paul also says that work that is not sinful should be done diligently, sincerely, wholeheartedly, and in faith.
Luke VII, 20 – āημαĻā – āemasā – āusā.
Luke VIi, 23 – āεμοι⠖ āemoiā – (in) āMeā ((through) Me).
Luke VII, 25 – āημĻιεĻμενον⠖ āemphiesmenonā – āclothedā – from āαμĻĪ¹ĪµĪ½Ī½Ļ Ī¼Ī¹ā – āamphiennymiā – āto clotheā.
Luke VII, 27 – āεμĻĻĪæĻθεν⠖ āemprosthenā – ābefore; in front of the faceā.
For the parallel passage in Matthew (Matthew XI, 2-6), see the link
(the same link also refers to the reading from Luke):
09032023.html
The following link is also important for understanding:
27062023.html
I would add that it is generally agreed that John the Baptist knew Who Jesus was, but he sent his disciples to see for themselves so that their faith would not be based on the testimony of John alone.
Jesus Christ is also generally called the least in the Kingdom of
God
. We must also remember that He was born not of a woman, but of a
Virgin.
Glory be to Thee, our God, glory be to Thee!