Philemon 1:1-7 (NIV)
Read by: Joanna Wong
Do you remember a time when you were in deep conflict with someone? Maybe you were the person at fault. Or maybe you were the one who was wronged? Maybe it’s more complicated than that. Maybe there is wrong on both sides, and the situation itself is just hard.
As we open today’s passage, remember, Onesimus could be put to death for fleeing his master. And while we don’t know for sure, Onesimus might have been present for the reading of the letter. Could you imagine Onesimus standing there looking at Philemon as someone begins to read this letter from Paul? And Philemon, flush with emotion, can't take his eyes off of Onesimus as he hears Paul’s opening words begin to replace the pulsing in his ears. What if this was read in front of the entire house church?
As we listen through Philemon in the next few episodes, I want to invite you to imagine yourself in that moment. Allow a conflicted relationship that you’re in to come to mind, or imagine yourself as a fly on the wall where this letter is being read for the first time. How would you experience this moment?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What emotions or feelings come up in you as you imagine yourself in this scene? Bring those to the LORD.
2. If you were Philemon, and hearing this affirmation from Paul, someone whom you love and respect, what is your gut reaction? Would you feel affirmed or might you feel suspicious of manipulation? Would you feel open, or might you begin to close off?
3. Paul is about to ask Philemon to do something that is extremely radical for his position in society, something that would have been seen as unwise and weak. And rather than coming at him full-steam with critique and ire, he offers affirmation and begins by calling out the best in Philemon. How do you approach calling someone to do something that is hard for them socially or politically? How could you lean into this way of persuasion?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Philemon >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Learn More >>
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free