Thursday 13 November 2008

Background

Philemon was a member of the Christian community in Colossae (inmodern-day Turkey) (see Colossians 4:9).One of his slaves, Onesimus, had run away from him but had met upwith Paul and become a Christian. Paul decided to send Onesimusback to his master and wrote this letter to accompany him. Philemonwould have been within his rights to punish his runaway slaveseverely and even send him to his death, but Paul pleaded with himto receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, abeloved brother".

This letter was used by both opponents and supporters of the slavetrade in the abolition debate. Paul did not make a direct appealfor Philemon to set Onesimus free, but he did ask him to treat himas an equal and beloved brother in Christ.

Paul used a lot of family language in this letter. He calledPhilemon his brother and Onesimus his child. He wanted to emphasisethe fact that Christ unites and reconciles those who wouldotherwise be divided and at war with one another.

Rather than drawing attention to the faults of each of his friends,Paul wrote with emotion about his deep affection for both of them.He was also prepared to pay the price for Onesimus' betrayal. Inboth word and deed, Paul played a Christ-like reconciling role inhis handling of this conflict between two people who were dear tohim.

To Ponder

How do you think Philemon responded to thisletter? How would you have responded to it?

In what ways is the Church community like afamily?

How can you play a reconciling role in aconflict-situation?