Isn't it interesting that Paul is writing to a congregation that includes servants as well as those who are wealthy? The church brought people together from every facet of life. We should ensure the church continues to be a place where people from every walk of life are welcome.
I don't envy Paul. The Gospels are written in such a way that they're easily presented to a general audience. They present a summation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with the focus on presenting the truth of the matter.
When it comes to Paul, he is writing letters to specific congregations about specific things. He's addressing certain controversies and is intimately aware of the details of the situation, and he's speaking directly to that. There's so much we don't see, and we miss much of the nuance, because we don't understand the culture as well.
Regarding Paul's words on servants, I think we have to be careful to listen to what Paul is saying to us today. I do think in other places Paul makes slavery untenable, for he calls all parties to treat one another with selfless love, which makes the thought of owning another human being impossible. When we look into the Gospel and begin to see how we fall short, and yet are loved, it's impossible to mistreat another person, because we know that despite our failings, we are loved and welcomed with grace. Should we not then treat one another with infinite love, grace, and patience? There simply isn't room to mistreat or abuse another when we have grasped the fullness of the Gospel, and all we can do is occupy ourselves with selflessly serving one another.
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