"We know that many among ourselves have delivered themselves to bondage, that they might ransom others. Many have sold themselves to slavery, and receiving the price paid for themselves have fed others." Chapter 55.
Did people sell themselves into slavery so that they might get the release of others, or feed others? It would seem to be the case, if true.
Back in the day, if you fell into debt and had no other way of paying it off, you could sell yourself into being your creditors slave. Depending on how you were treated, it wasn't always a bad deal: Your master had to feed, clothe, and provide housing to you until you paid off your debt. Depending on how you were treated, you could decide to stay with your master and become their bondservant.
But to sell yourself into slavery for someone else - who does this kind of thing? I suppose that if my wife and kids were needing to be released from slavery, I might do it without thought.
Would I sell myself into slavery for someone else? What about another family member, a good friend, or even a complete stranger? That would take some serious "hearing from God", the farther away from me you are(thinking 6 degrees of seperation here).
Which all causes me to wonder, "How far am I willing to go for someone else?"
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