The topic of slavery and freedom is an interesting one in the New Testament. It is a common theme throughout many of Paul’s letters, and he relies on it heavily to get many various points across.
One of the books that I am particularly fond of in the New Testament is the book of Philemon. This seemingly personal letter has long held a position in the canon of the New Testament, yet it is often asked “why”.
Paul’s letter to Philemon is a unique one, it is his shortest letter and it is often overlooked, but I think that, even though it doesn’t have any expressly theological statements, it is still a valuable resource and speaks to the Christian wondering how Christ should change his or her life.
Philemon, a slave-owner and recent convert to Christianity by Paul, has had a slave run away from him for some unidentified reason. The slave’s name is Onesimus, which means useful. Onesimus has come to Paul for protection from his master, as running away from one’s master could be punished by death if the master so chose. In the meantime, Onesimus has also become a Christian.
It is into this delicate socio-political atmosphere that Paul writes to Philemon concerning his slave.
Philemon has in the past been used inappropriately to support slavery, because Paul does not choose to fight the systemic slavery which is in place in the
While it is true that Paul does not try to fight the cultural situation of Slavery outright, he does something much more subversive and powerful and makes sure that this personal letter, with this message is read to the entire congregation of which Philemon is a part.
Paul tells Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother (16). This statement sums up Paul’s message in his letter to Philemon. To expand on this idea, and to put it in different terms, Paul is telling Philemon that the message of Christ, and being a Christian profoundly changes your life. Your relationships are no longer defined by culture. Your society and it’s norms can no longer hamper your relationships with other people. One must see other people through different eyes when one becomes part of the body of Christ, and this necessitates change with or without political action. This applies to us as well as to Philemon. No longer can we allow social strictures confine our relationships, when we have been called by Christ to be brother and sister to the outcast.
4 comments:
Perhaps the lack of "expressly theological statements" just goes to show that the Christian example/mentor (Paul) does more theological good than any tagline or catch phrase.
Anyway, good thoughts.
my super smart bible says that Onesimus and Philemon were brothers and that the slavery interpretation is incorrect so it looks like you'll have to change your views :)
Mark, thank you for your input.
Even if your bible did have the correct interpretation of Philemon, my views would not change. This is because I do not base my theology of communal life on only one part of the scripture, but drawing from the whole of the works of scripture have I come to these conclusions.
....so are we brother to all or only the christians? Are we only accepting of them when they have become a christian, or do we forgive them for they know not what they do?
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