Philemon in Relationship to Pauline Theology As noted above Philemon is a book which while it may not develop its own theological theme, it does express the theology of Paul. There is need for “a systematic reflection on the faith that is expressed in the Letter to Philemon.[1]” What we want to do now, is [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Philemon’
24 May
Philemon: Part 2
The Story of Philemon: The Old Man & the Slave[1] Before launching into an exploration of the implicit theological themes present in Philemon we need to first examine the background and story of the letter itself. Introduction (v.1-3) Paul has a customary introduction in the first three verses of the epistle. What perhaps ought to [...]
23 May
Philemon: Part 1
Introduction The word reconciliation is thrown around today like a hot potato at a child’s birthday party. The word is used predominantly in reference to race relations and the ongoing civil rights movement. Christians are not immune from using this all too fashionable word in their discussions of cross cultural ministry, and ministry across racial, [...]
27 Feb
Runaway Slaves in the Greco Roman World In Relation to Paul’s Epistle to Philemon: Part 4
Examining Paul’s Letter to Philemon With this background in place we now want to briefly examine the bearing of this study on Paul’s letter to Philemon. We will look at three things. First we will look at the nature of Onesimus’ wrongs against Philemon. Second, we will consider the rights of Philemon as slaveholder. Third, [...]
26 Feb
Runaway Slaves in the Greco Roman World In Relation to Paul’s Epistle to Philemon: Part 3
Runaway Slaves Reasons for Flight There are three broad ways to categorize reasons a slave might have had for running away. A slave might run away to escape a dangerous or harmful situation, i.e. a slave might run away because he or she was being treated unfairly or was being beaten. Second, a slave might [...]
24 Feb
Runaway Slaves in the Greco Roman World In Relation to Paul’s Epistle to Philemon: Part 1
Introduction The relationship of slavery to the Bible remains a controversial issue in the world of biblical studies. Among those biblical texts which overlap with the issue of slavery is the seemingly insignificant Pauline epistle, Philemon. This letter written from Paul to Philemon, is a plea written on behalf of a man, Onesimus, who is [...]
