Philemon: Cultural Context & What’s At Stake

Over-throwing a social order in favor of a new system

REVOLUTION

Over-throwing a social order in favor of a new system

REVOLUTION

Restoration of relationshipRECONCILIATION

Paul’s vision (in Philemon is) not (primarily arevolution) for the Roman Empire, but for the Church…

his view (is) about…a new-creation, sibling-based fellowship on the basis of adoption as children of God…

The precise aim Paul (has) in mind (for Onesimus, Philemon,

and the church that met in his home) was:ennoblement, integrity, respect,

status, honor, and vocation.

SCOT MCKNIGHT

Liberation is created by Christ, and in Christ,and it is the Church’s responsibility to create spaces of liberation, both in the Church itself, and in the culture…

SCOT MCKNIGHT

The Church is to be the first space of RECONCILIATIONin our communities: first, among its own people,

and second, as RECONCILED people (striving)for RECONCILIATION in society (as a whole.)

SCOT MCKNIGHT

All this is from God, who RECONCILED us to himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of RECONCILIATION: that God was RECONCILING the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of RECONCILIATION. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be RECONCILED to God…

2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-20 (NRSV)

Philemon: Cultural Context & What’s At Stake

1. Slavery in the Roman Empire

2. Slavery in the “New World”

3. Modern slavery across the world

4. Social implications for us in the Church

FOUR ELEMENTS TO BE AWARE OF

WHEN READING PHILEMON…

- Rooted in social standing, not in “race” or skin color- Viewed as morally, and inherently inferior to non-

slaves- Legally non-existent; could not marry, or inherit

anything- Was about one’s legal status, not one’s “occupation”- Not equated to ignorance, or incompetence- Male slaves remained “boys, with “manhood” denied- Slaves were bought, traded, branded, exploited, often

physically/sexually abused, shackled, and alwayspunished more severely than a citizen/free person

- Lot in life solely determined based on thecharacter/temperament of their owner…

ELEMENTS OF ROMAN SLAVERY

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planterMAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE

OF

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter

2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner

MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter

2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner

3. ONESIMUS = “Useful,” runaway slave, Philemon’s property,

but also now a “faithful, and beloved brother”

MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter

2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner

3. ONESIMUS = “Useful,” runaway slave, Philemon’s property,

but also now a “faithful, and beloved brother”

4. COLOSSAE CHURCH = Philemon’s immediate family,extended family, slaves, servants, etc.

MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter

2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner

3. ONESIMUS = “Useful,” runaway slave, Philemon’s property,

but also now a “faithful, and beloved brother”

4. COLOSSAE CHURCH = Philemon’s immediate family,extended family, slaves, servants, etc.

5. TYCHICUS = performer of the letter

MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF

PAUL, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and TIMOTHY our brother,

To PHILEMON our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

Grace to you, and peace from God our Father,and the LORD Jesus Christ.

PHILEMON 1-3 (NRSV)

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints, and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.I have indeed received much joy, and encouragement

from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

PHILEMON 4-7 (NRSV)

SLAVES

FAMILY

CHURCH FOLK

Philemon

Tychicus

Onesimus

Paul, and Timothy

Eating their popcorn

Biting their nails

On the edge of

their seats

Philemon: Cultural Context & What’s At Stake

1. Liberation BEGINS in the act of GOD in CHRIST, through the SPIRIT

THREE WORKING PREMISES…

1. Liberation BEGINS in the act of GOD in CHRIST, through the SPIRIT

2. That liberation is to be EMBODIED in local church families

that are CROSS-CULTURAL, and multi-ETHNIC/GENDERED

THREE WORKING PREMISES…

1. Liberation BEGINS in the act of GOD in CHRIST, through the SPIRIT

2. That liberation is to be EMBODIED in local church families

that are CROSS-CULTURAL, and multi-ETHNIC/GENDERED

3. Embodied liberation in the CHURCH is to be EXPANDED into our WORLD, as we LIVE OUT

what it means to be BROTHERS, and SISTERS in a FAMILY of mutual self-giving LOVE

amidst/against INUSTICE…

THREE WORKING PREMISES…

Prayerfully read through Paul’s letter to Philemonevery day this week…

SOUL TRAINING EXERCISE

Philemon: Cultural Context & What’s At Stake