Lecture 21 - Slavery, Reconciliation, and the Gospel

Who is Philemon Who is Onesimus?

Philemon is the recipient of the letter, a wealthy Christian on Colossae. Onesimus is Philemon’s slave.

What is the occasion for this letter?

Philemon had a slave name Onesimus who ran away from him. At that time period, a runaway slave would be killed so Onesimus went to Paul (someone who Philemon trusts) for help. So Onesimus visited Paul and explained everything to him. Pau wrote to Philemon (v.18) that if Onesimus did anything or owed him something, to charge it to his account.

What is Paul’s situation when writing this letter?

Paul is in prison.

What seems to have instigated Onesimus’ escape from Philemon?

TBD

What does Paul ask Philemon to do?

To receive Onesimus as Philemon would receive Paul.

Does Paul ask Philemon to release/free Onesimus?

Paul never asks Philemon to free Onesimus

What is Paul’s primary concern regarding Philemon and Onesimus?

Paul’s primary concern is over reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus. Philemon is his brother, and Onesimus is now his brother, and because relations between them are not good, Paul writes the letter to reconcile them.