Philemon (NIV)
As we come to the end of the Prison Letters, we turn to Philemon. This is one of the shortest letters in the New Testament, but it can shape us deeply if we will let it.
Unlike the letters that have a broader audience in mind, this letter is addressed specifically to Philemon about a particular issue that Paul wants to talk about. Philemon became a Christian after Epaphras planted the church in Colossae, and a church began to meet in Philemon’s house. As a household patriarch in Colossae, Philemon owned slaves. And one of them was named Onesimus, whom Paul honored in the last chapter of Colossians.
Onesimus wronged Philemon and then fled. He went to Paul in prison to ask for help. There Onesimus became a follower of Jesus, and Paul has to figure out what to do next. To be a slave and to run away was a capital offense. So Paul had to decide: does he let Onesimus continue to flee and risk being caught without a chance to advocate for peace? Or does he use his influence to call Philemon to receive Onesimus with forgiveness.
Paul decides to send Onesimus back to Philemon, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother. This is really unheard of and really rather risky, but Paul puts all the preaching and writing, and praying in to practice… he goes all in on the power of the gospel to mend even the most tenuous relationships.
As we read Philemon, we see the gospel in action. It’s a little tough to read about a time when slavery was so normal and not want Paul to write more like an abolitionist, but we have to keep in mind that this was as common of a practice as our use of electricity. So his challenge to Philemon is actually extremely radical.
This letter could have immense implications in our society and our communities today. We need to be able to put all our weight on the power of the good news of Jesus, especially when it comes to relationships where we have conflict, strife and division. We stand to learn from Paul as he puts his actions where his faith is and his money where his mouth is.
So since this is a short letter, for our introduction episode, we’ll read it once all the way through and then spend the next handful of episodes going a bit deeper.
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