Theoretically speaking.
I got source to argue for why that could be?
For reference (The abolitionist)
(Obeying instead of rebellion)
(
Ephesians 6:5-9
New International Version
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
(Which is very similar to Romans 13:1-7
Romans 13:1-7
New International Version
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
(Manstealing is illegal by Biblical law)
1 Timothy 1:10
New International Version
10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
Exodus 21:16
New International Version
16 "Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.
Deuteronomy 24:7
New International Version
7 If someone is caught kidnapping a fellow Israelite and treating or selling them as a slave, the kidnapper must die. You must purge the evil from among you.
A little long, so will just link it
Epistle to Philemon (Paul encourages a slave master, to release the slave, and become free in worship of Christ) Encouraging freedom for slaves to worship Christ, is the biggest endorser)
(Tells us to not obey humans, but God)
Acts 5:29
New International Version
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings!
This is in context that, the South constantly kidnapped free people into slavery. Thats why the South broke the Biblical law. But not John Brown.
But whats your view on it? I know you could sorta argue what John Brown did? Can technically go against Romans 13:1-7. But IF the North isnt enforcing the rules to end manstealing? What should one obey? God? Or the corrupt system that doesn’t uphold it?
So might have taken matters into his own hand for that reason
But curious to what you think?
One clip from the TV series “Good Lord Bird”
