|
|
|
[You have him] no longer as a slave,1 but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially, and how much to you, both in flesh and also in YHWH.
| 1 | No longer as a slave: Assuming Philemon gave Onesimus his freedom. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we examine Paul’s epistle to the Christian slave master Philemon. Slavery was common in the ancient world and has only been outlawed in the last two centuries. Slavery was permitted under the Law of Moses and the early Christian Church did not rebel against it for reasons to be discussed another time.
Paul writes as a prisoner to Philemon [“our beloved co-worker”] and a house-church. [1-3] He includes sister Apphia and “our fellow soldier” Archippus. We must read this personal epistle with the ears of the tiny congregation and the members named. So Philemon must know that others will hear what Paul has to say. Paul begins with praise of Philemon. [4-7] Though he used the plural “you” in verse 3 he now uses the singular “you” beginning in verse 4 and likely directed to Philemon. Paul mentions the brother’s faith and love and how much joy, encouragement and love he has shown to the encouragement of the Saints. Paul is direct but subtle in the counsel he is going to give to this slave-master regarding one of his slaves who has become a Christian while in prison with Paul.
Paul makes his appeal to Philemon on behalf of the run-away slave Onesimus. [8-16] Paul as an elder and prisoner for Christ could use his authority to command Philemon but instead he appeals to the slave-master’s love. While in prison Paul gave spiritual birth to the once useless slave Onesimus. Paul is sending the slave back to his master but wishes Onesimus could remain to serve this Roman prisoner. Paul does not want to pressure Philemon but hopes he would be willing to release the slave. At the end of the day Philemon would have his slave back as a “beloved brother.”
Paul is straightforward yet subtle in telling Philemon that he owes it to the imprisoned apostle. He writes that if Onesimus owes anything to “put this to my account.” However, Paul writes that Philemon really is spiritually indebted to him. Paul expresses his confidence that Philemon will respond charitably. [21, 22] He concludes with greetings from various “co-workers.”
Abba our Father bless the charitable.
[11 August 2002
He has both temporal, fleshly relations to thee (those of master and servant), and besides is your brother in Christ. Both these ties ought to bind him to you. The gospel held Christian masters responsible for both the moral and the physical welfare of their servants.
