Slavery, Feminism & Obedience

November 17, 2025

Introduction

The conversation centres on Paul’s trial before Felix (Acts 24) and three linked topics flowing from that passage:

Procrastination in spiritual obedience (Felix’s tragic delay)
“Does the Bible condone slavery?” - a historical–exegetical survey
The widening gender divide in modern politics, feminism and “toxic empathy”

Gathering Information

Hosts/Participants: Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, Jana Howerton
Setting: Live recording of “Live Free” podcast (Episode 50) with rooted-group members present

Scripture References

Acts 23:31–35; Acts 24; Acts 26
Luke 1–2; Matthew 1–2
1 Corinthians 7:21; Galatians 3:28; 1 Timothy 1:8-10
Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24:7
Hebrews 3:7-8; Joshua 1; Romans 2:4

Key Points

Acts 24 Narrative
- Paul is transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:31-35) and kept in Herod’s praetorium.
- Felix: former Roman slave turned governor; married to Drusilla (Herod Agrippa I’s daughter).
- Paul reasons with them on righteousness, self-control and the coming judgment.
- Felix becomes “alarmed” yet repeatedly postpones decision: “When I find it convenient…” (v. 25).
- Paul remains two years, uncompromising, refuses bribery.
Why People Delay Obedience
- Fear of cost, loss of position or relationships.
- Thoughtlessness: “Satan’s favourite day is one day; God’s favourite day is today.”
- Condemnation: believing God is an angry judge instead of a loving Father.
- Hardened heart through repeated postponement (Heb 3:7-8).
- Family dynamics: loyalty to an unbelieving spouse can function as a “demonic high priest/ess,” blocking obedience.
- Practical diagnostic: “What am I afraid to do that I am uncomfortable having not yet done for the glory of God?”
Textual & Historical Nuggets
- Acts 24:7 is absent in earliest manuscripts—example of textual honesty that should increase confidence.
- Archaeology: Paul’s hearing location and cell in Caesarea are still visible.
- Extra-biblical sources (Tacitus, Josephus) corroborate Felix’s career.
Slavery: Bible vs. Modern Claim
- American chattel slavery: race-based, life-long, built on kidnapping (“man-stealing”).
- Roman doulos system: often voluntary, multi-ethnic, commonly time-limited (≈10 yrs), included doctors, teachers, administrators.
- Scripture explicitly forbids man-stealing (Ex 21:16; Dt 24:7; 1 Tim 1:9-10).
- NT seeds of abolition: 1 Cor 7:21; Gal 3:28; Philemon 15-16.
- First seven nations to abolish slavery were majority-Christian; historic abolitionists (e.g., Wilberforce) acted from biblical conviction.
Feminism, Gender Gap & “Toxic Empathy”
- Polls show young women (18-29) vote ≈80 % progressive, young men trend conservative.
- Media reframes gender roles as “oppression,” pushing women toward politics of unlimited “rights.”
- Feminism portrayed as outworking of Gen 3 curse (desire against husband).
- Maternal instincts, when detached from family/children, get redirected to activist causes; empathy weaponised (e.g., abortion, LGBTQ+, Islam-as-oppressed-group).
- Discipleship task: form women out of truth-less compassion and men out of grace-less truth.

Theological / Exegetical Points

“Righteousness, self-control, judgment” = concise gospel framework confronting both moral guilt and future accountability.
God’s patience (Romans 2:4) invites repentance; delay leads to hardened heart.
Jesus’ leaven principle: biblical worldview eventually undermines unjust institutions (slavery).
Complementarity: men & women equal image-bearers but not interchangeable; different sins and cultural pressures require gender-specific discipleship.

Interaction & Group Responses

Light-hearted banter about Episode 50, Christmas decorations, rooted-group friends pranking the Howards’ empty picture frames.
Live audience affirmed archaeological photos; several expressed surprise at manuscript honesty (Acts 24:7 note).
Jana shared personal struggle with “paralysis by analysis” and procrastination in ministry involvement.
Group laughed at contrast in online reactions: strong applause when male sins confronted, backlash when female sins addressed.

Practical Applications

Identify one step of obedience you keep delaying; act today.
Guard against “toxic empathy” that silences biblical truth in the name of kindness.
Husbands: lead with sacrificial love; wives: resist culture’s call to despise home and family.
Study Scripture’s whole counsel before accepting media narratives.
Replace endless analysis with “motion obedience” - God steers those already moving.

Prayer / Intercession Items

Greater filling of the Spirit to obey quickly.
Hearts formed by Scripture, not culture.
Courage for those facing relational opposition to faith steps.
Healing for victims of abuse and misuse of authority.
Wisdom for the church to disciple men and women faithfully amid cultural confusion.

Bible Note Taker & Recorder: Deepen Your Study, Strengthen Your Walk Download link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6743159952