Paul explains how “the law is good”: it is laid down “for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers [also translated “menstealers”, “slave traders”, “enslavers”], for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:10)

Where does the Law deal with “menstealers”?

“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” (Exodus 21:16)

“If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.” (Deuteronomy 24:7)

Oh, would that Americans had enforced this capital punishment against transatlantic slave traders. Christians saw the connection long before the Civil War.

“Though this law was given to the Israelites primarily, yet was made for men stealers in general, as the apostle observes, who plainly has reference to it, 1 Timothy 1:9.” (John Gill, 1697-1771)

“Here is a law against man-stealing (Exodus 21:16): He that steals a man (that is, a person, man, woman, or child), with design to sell him to the Gentiles (for no Israelite would buy him), was adjudged to death by this statute, which is ratified by the apostle (1 Timothy 1:10), where men-stealers are reckoned among those wicked ones against whom laws must be made by Christian princes.” (Matthew Henry, 1662-1714)

“By this law every man-stealer, and every receiver of the stolen person, should lose his life; no matter whether the latter stole the man himself, or gave money to a slave captain or negro-dealer to steal him for him.” (Adam Clarke, 1762-1832)