How did the Roman Laws enslave the Israelites?

Answer 1

AnswerThe Jews* had the same burdens, responsibilities and privileges as the other nations that Rome brought into its empire by conquest. They were required to pay taxes and to obey Roman civil laws, and could hardly be called slaves. In fact they enjoyed one privilege that no other nation in the empire was permitted. They were allowed to retain their own religion and exempted from worship of the Roman gods, without penalty or persecution.

Persecution of the Jews because of their religion only began during the fourth century, under Emperor Constantine and the Christian emperors who followed him.

Footnote

* Israel was never part of the Roman Empire, since it had ceased to exist in 722 BCE, centuries before the arrival of the Romans. The Israelites no longer existed as a nation.