“Bought at a Price” (1Cor 6:20). Theology and, Social Impact?
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Abstract
In Paul's letters, we find various metaphors of slavery that exemplify redemption in Christ. Expressions such as ‘slave of Christ’ or ‘freed in the Lord’ have been extensively studied and, even today, continue to be the subject of research. Within this group of images, there is a subgroup of metaphors that allude to the rescue of slaves. The present study focuses on the analysis of this imagery, specifically in the economic transaction and the situation resulting from it (cf. 1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; Gal 3:13; 4:5). The metaphor, which is markedly Christological, appears in contexts in which the apostle exhorts believers to become aware of their belonging to Christ and of the new status acquired “in Christ”, regardless of their social condition: slave or free.
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