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| PHILEMON |
| Letter to a Slave Owner |
| A slave's life hangs in the balance. |
| Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. 8, 9 |
| Onesimus was a runaway slave, a hunted fugitive whose life was in constant danger. He had two options. He could spend his days hiding in the dark, grimy alleys of a Roman city, dodging soldiers and bounty-hunters. Or, he could do the unthinkable and return to his master. The laws of the empire were harsh. If Onesimus did return, his master Philemon had the legal power to sentence him to immediate execution. If Philemon mercifully decided to let him live, Onesimus would have the letter F (for Fugitivus) seared on his forehead with a branding iron, marking him for life. Paul Defends a Runaway His conversion to Christ through Paul's ministry greatly complicated the decision of the runaway slave. Onesimus' life hung in the balance. This 468-word letter to the slave owner masterfully brings together Paul's skills of persuasion and diplomacy. Every phrase in Philemon is crafted to produce the best possible effect. Paul appeals to Philemon's friendship, his status as a Christian leader, his sense of love and compassion. He doesn't outright order Philemon to consent, yet he applies blatant pressure, reminding Philemon that "you owe me your very self" (verse 19). Addressing the letter to Philemon's church (verse 2) increases the pressure, as does Paul's promise of a personal visit (verse 22). Christianity and Slavery Slavery existed for 1,800 years after this letter was written, and it took the full moral force of Christianity to ban it |