3. Over-throwing a social order in favor of a new system
REVOLUTION
Restoration of relationship
RECONCILIATION
4. Paul’s vision (in Philemon is) not (primarily a
revolution) 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
5. 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
6. The Church is to be the first space of RECONCILIATION
in our communities: first, among its own people,
and second, as RECONCILED people (striving)
for RECONCILIATION in society (as a whole.)
SCOT MCKNIGHT
7. 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)
8.
9. 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…
10. - 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 always
punished more severely than a citizen/free person
- Lot in life solely determined based on the
character/temperament of their owner…
ELEMENTS OF ROMAN SLAVERY
11. 1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter
MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF
12. 1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter
2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner
MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF
13. 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
14. 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
15.
16. 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
17.
18. 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)
19. 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)
22. 1. Liberation BEGINS in the act of
GOD in CHRIST, through the SPIRIT
THREE WORKING PREMISES…
23. 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…
24. 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
THREE WORKING PREMISES…