According to Jesus how should slaves be treated?
They should be beaten for disobedience, but not more severely then they deserve. --. "And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." (Luke 12:47-48)The entire context (Luke 12:41-48) shows that this is not part of a parable--it is the explanation of a parable, after Peter asked a question. But even if it were a parable, it would carry the same weight as a teaching of Jesus. The word "servant" above is doulos, which means "slave" in Greek, and is correctly rendered "slave" by the NRSV, NAS, Scholar's Version, and others. "Shall" meant "should," as Jesus adds: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12:48)The verses both before and at the conclusion of this passage indicate, together with the wider context of the whole chapter, clearly indicate that this was a parable. The whole chapter is about the end times and therefore a theme of accountability is pertinent. Thus the above statements are incorrect.Luke 12: 41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? (this was in reference to the previous section, also a parable)48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. However it is clear that Jesus' use of this example did not either condone or condemn the practice. He was merely using it as an example of accountability.