freedman, freedwoman

A person in the Greco-Roman world who had been a slave, but had secured release from that status by purchasing freedom or working to achieve it. Freedmen and -women remained bound to their former masters in certain respects (1Cor 7:22). For example, if they died without an heir, their property was given to the master. They were not eligible for the higher ranks in the army, nor were they free to embark upon an official career of public office. A synagogue was established in Jerusalem for slaves who had earned their freedom. Acts 6:9 reports that “some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen” argued with Stephen.