Introduction to the series
* 2 Tim 3:16-17 -- we all need training and teaching. This passage says all scripture is inspired and useful. Includes every book of the Bible, every chapter of every book.
* We should aim to know the Bible intimately well, the flow of the story, every book.
* The Bible is our story, our heritage. We all have this in common, whatever our differences. How can we better teach and learn the Word this year?
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Introduction
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Written by Paul in the early 60s.
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For those who love alliteration, here are a few 'p's: Paul, in prison, penning an epistle to Philemon, trying to persuade him to pardon pilfering Onesimus.
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In this short letter we will learn several things:
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About Philemon itself (background, context)
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How to handle a sensitive issue (Philemon & Onesimus)
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How to address a social issue (slavery)
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How to motivate people to do the right thing.
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About slavery:
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Slave owning was never a sin in Bible, though the slave trade was condemned strongly (1 Timothy 1, Revelation 18).
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In the OT, after serving 6 years, a slave (servant) would go free or, if he preferred, remain with his master (Exodus 21:5). This suggests humane and fair treatment.
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In a sense, there is still "slavery" today, in form of employer/employee relationships. (Not to mention real slavery still ongoing in some parts of Africa.)
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Had the early church attacked institution of slavery head-on, it would have been destroyed.
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This was not Jesus' approach, to enter politics or become a social activist. (Not that these courses are necessarily sinful.) Christianity's oblique approach to slavery in time led to its abolition.
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There is a lesson in here for us, when it comes to social issues. (Abortion, euthanasia, politics, "just war," bioengineering...)
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Through Philemon
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Verse 1: Prisoner, probably in Rome. Timothy coauthor (as in Col'same authors and cluster of personalities)
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Verse 2: Apphia and Archippus and Philemon are apparently leaders in the church (in Laodicea?). Paul gets the church involved in this sensitive issue. (Truth is, they probably would have learned all about it anyway!) A true house church.
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Verse 3: Letter begins with grace. It will end this way, too.
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Verses 4-7: Paul is very positive about Philemon, who is a strong spiritual man. Philemon is also a Christian slave owner.
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Verse 9: Appeal on the basis of love. Paul is an old man now. He is also the one who converted Philemon (19). One cannot help but side with Paul. There is an emotional pull here.
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Verse 10: Onesimus means 'useful.' Typical slave name. Onesimus is a runaway.
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Verse 12: Despite Deut 23:15 (read it), Paul is sending Onesimus back. We can guess why in a few verses' At any rate, the OT law does not govern the NT church.
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Verse 14: Paul trusts the noble motives of Philemon's heart; he's not down on him. Key verse for biblical leadership!
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Verse 16: Onesimus has become a Christian in Rome, through his relationship with Paul.
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Verse 18: He had stolen from his master'perhaps this is why Paul is sending him back. Paul offers to repay whatever Onesimus has stolen. (How can Philemon give the bill to Paul?)
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Verse 21: Paul has confidence Philemon will comply. He states this in the hearing of the church, getting others involved.
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Verse 22: Guest room ('lodging', NAS), shows Paul has a relationship with Philemon. Hospitality.
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Verse 25: "Grace" suggests kindness. I.e., "Philemon, why don't you be gracious to Onesimus and set him free?"
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Conclusion
- This short epistle is power packed. Lessons on dealing with social issues, leadership style, sensitive situations.
- Paul's approach in trying to win Philemon over:
- begins (and remains) very positive
- is gentle (no coercion); gets others involved
- emphasises their relationship (preparing a guest room, eg).
