1. The document discusses Paul's letter to Philemon and the themes of reconciliation and liberation. 2. It examines the context of slavery in the Roman Empire and Paul's message of a new creation where all people are adopted children of God and equal members of the church family. 3. Paul's goal for Onesimus, Philemon, and the Colossae church was reconciliation, respect, and for them to serve as a model of liberation for the wider community.

2. Over-throwing a social order in favor of a new system
REVOLUTION

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)

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

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

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)

20. SLAVE
S
FAMILY
CHURCH FOLK
Philemon
Tychicus
Onesimus
Paul, and
Timothy
Eating their popcorn
Biting their
nails
On the
edge of
their seats

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…

25. Prayerfully read through
Paul’s letter to Philemon
every day this week…
SOUL TRAINING EXERCISE