Recently I became involved in a discussion on the reading of Romans 1:1. It’s the old "Greek Game". That Romans 1:1 should read slave rather than servant. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

And of course the people who do this just use Strong’s or others as a thesaurus. In short you can always "correct" God’s word by finding synonyms to prove your bloated point.

From Strong’s G1210; a slave (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): - bond (-man), servant.

But why did the translators use servant rather than slave?

If we are slaves then we are peculiar kind of slaves. Paul knew of slavery in Romans. The master there did not die for their property. Jesus did. The masters at Rome could at a whim destroy the life of a slave.

 We are supposed to be profitable to our Master-but unlike slaves at Rome, we rebel constantly. Onesimus’ name may meant profitable, but how long was he unprofitable. If we should add all the gifts, talents and opportunities gives to us we are a poor investment at best.

Philemon 1:10-11 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: (11) Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

We are peculiar  slave in that our Master has built us a mansion in heaven.

The Lord does not treat us a slaves, but as children. What kind of slavery is this?

Who ever heard of a slave being.

1. Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

2. Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

3. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

4. Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

5. Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

6. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

7. I have many, many more blessings. I do not have to work for by freedom as slaves often had to hoping to be free.

 1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

What kind of slavery is this? I am accepted, joint heir, redeemed, a citizen, and a member of his body and adopted. Can you tell me of any Roman slave that had this?

We do not serve a hard taskmaster. Our God not only gives us straw for the bricks, but tells us to go to the promise land. He even understands when we are idle.

Because of the above verses do you consider yourselves a slave? Keep it servant as it reads. Ancient Rome may have needed slaves for their economy, but God needs us like a fish needs a raincoat. Sure we have been bought with a price--- but boy did he get a bad deal!

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.