That is the letter we have in front of us when we read Philemon.

Historical – Theological Themes: Philemon provides valuable historical insights into the early church’s relationship to the institution of slavery. What does it say? We want Paul not to just regulate slavery, but to … Like many people who lived in the Roman empire, Philemon was a slave owner. The Epistle of St. Paul to Philemon is preceded by his Letter to Titus and followed by the Letter to the Hebrews.The Letter to Philemon is one of the 4 Captivity Epistles, along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians in the New Testament of the Bible. The historic and contemporary reality of slavery is never far away from how we think about the Bible. The letter is short, but its message is profound, and its impact reaches across history. Some readers may be disappointed that Paul does not more directly challenge the injustice of the institution of slavery (which was a widespread practice at the time). FOOTNOTES PHILEMON . And what does it mean for us in a world where slavery remains real and present? Philemon is a personal letter, written by Paul, humbly requesting freedom for a runaway slave. Now he indicates that he has subordinated his personal wishes to the good of Philemon, so that Philemon might have an opportunity to do a good act (to agathon sou) freely.This attitude models the concern for the good of others that Paul has seen in Philemon previously (v. Philemon also creates a challenge for Bible teachers in a time when, as a culture and as the body of Christ, we are dealing—perhaps like never before—with the lingering shame of chattel slavery in the United States. Thus in some of these sources it is not possible to cite page numbers. In this short letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to take back his runaway slave, not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The apostle's joy and praise for Philemon's steady faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints. 6, “Slavery (Greco-Roman)”, ed. His master Philemon was a Christian. Join TTW for compelling audio guides with clear explanation in just minutes a day. The historical background of Philemon is as follows: • Onesimus, a slave owned by Philemon (wealthy Colossian believer and long-time friend of Paul) had robbed his master and run away to Rome. Complete Concise Chapter Contents. Several sources I have cited here are from the electronic media, either from websites or from electronic research libraries. Onesimus was a slave. 1 S. Scott Bartchy, Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol. And what does it mean for us in a world where slavery remains real and present? The letter is short, but its message is profound, and its impact reaches across history. So what does the Bible say about slavery? the customary letter back to Philemon asking them to be reconciled and to set things right. Philemon is a personal letter, written by Paul, humbly requesting freedom for a runaway slave. So what does the Bible say about slavery? Paul does not challenge Philemon’s legal right to own slaves, or to punish them for escaping—but he also challenges Philemon to rise above his legal rights and treat Onesimus as a free man and fellow Christian. Instead of a frontal attack on the culturally pervasive institution of slavery in his day, Paul took another approach, for example, in his letter to Philemon. Paul has clearly and fully expressed his desire to keep Onesimus. David Freedman (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 67. (1-7) He recommends Onesimus as one who would make rich amends for the misconduct of which he had been guilty; and on behalf of whom the apostle promises to make up any loss Philemon had sustained. This does not detract from the inspiration and value of Philemon, but rather enhances its value and message” (Through the Bible, p. 211). Why was it written? Join TTW for compelling audio guides with clear explanation in just minutes a day. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had escaped and converted to Christianity—and Paul wrote an impassioned plea to Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and to release him from slavery. Philemon and Slavery. Slavery was widespread in the Roman Empire (according to some estimates, slaves constituted one third, perhaps more, of the population), and an accepted part of life.