A Slave Becomes a Christian

GOLDEN TEXT: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:28

PHILEMON 8-21

JESUS prophesied that the truth of his Gospel would at times divide families so that one might find enemies within his own household, and this prophecy has been proven true in many cases. However, in the case of Philemon and his slave, Onesimus, a different and even more complicated situation was brought about by the truth.

In that day owning slaves was not considered unchristian. Philemon was a faithful Christian and “dearly beloved” by Paul, and a “fellow-laborer.” A group of brethren, an ecclesia, held their meetings in his home, and Paul had been entertained there as a guest. Philemon owned slaves. One of these was Onesimus, and doubtless he had served Paul when he was a houseguest in this Christian home.

Onesimus had not at that time accepted Christ, and for reasons not revealed he ran away from his master, Philemon, and went to Rome. This was during the time that Paul was a prisoner in Rome. The account does not indicate why, but apparently he sought out Paul in prison, and under the influence of his teachings became a Christian. Possibly Paul had witnessed to Onesimus in the home of Philemon, and what he said was remembered by the slave and he purposely went to the apostle to hear more of the “wonderful words of life.”

In any event, Onesimus became a Christian which, obviously presented a problem for him as well as for his former master. So Paul’s letter to Philemon was written in an effort to help both the former slave and his master to adjust themselves to the new circumstances in which they were now brethren in Christ. Onesimus showed his good faith by his willingness to return to Philemon and deliver the letter, and Paul expected that the former slave-owner would likewise manifest a true Christian spirit in the matter.

In sending Onesimus back to Philemon, Paul was being guided by the strict demands of justice, which is the foundation upon which Christian character is built. Onesimus had violated the law by running away from his master, and the fact that he had now accepted Christ and had become a brother to Philemon did not right this wrong. If Philemon wished to pardon this wrong because his slave had become a brother, that would be different, but the first duty of Onesimus was to return to him and seek forgiveness.

Paul’s course of action in this matter was not without cost to himself. Verse 13 indicates that Paul could very well have used this trained servant to minister to him in his bonds, but in verse 14 he explains that he could not properly hold him for this purpose without first securing Philemon’s consent. So at great cost to himself he sent Onesimus back to his owner, who was now his brother.

Paul realized also that Onesimus’ running away doubtless incurred financial loss to Philemon. He mentions this possibility in the letter, and asks his “fellow-laborer” that if such were the case to charge the loss to his account. This seems to have been on the occasion of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, when he was permitted to dwell in his own hired house, which would indicate that at this time the apostle had some means of his own. It would seem possible that Philemon was handling his accounts for him, or would at least know how to secure the payment which Paul offered to cover the loss sustained as a result of the runaway slave.

In making this offer, however, Paul reminds Philemon of a still greater debt which he owed. This is evidently a reference to the fact that Philemon had received the truth of the Gospel from Paul, which meant that he owed his spiritual life to the apostle. Or he may have befriended Philemon in other ways not revealed in the epistle. In any event, Paul knew how to place Philemon’s obligations concerning Onesimus squarely before him, and we may assume that he complied with the apostle’s request.

Our Golden Text is to the point in emphasizing that God is no respecter of persons, whether of race, color, or sex, in his selection of those whom he is calling to be members of the body of Christ, “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal. 3:29) Whether originally “bond or free” however, each one who is baptized into this body becomes a bond-slave of Jesus Christ. Philemon thus became a slave of Christ and, as such, was under obligation to lay down his life for Onesimus and for all other brethren in Christ as he had opportunity.

Paul wrote concerning himself that he bore about in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (Gal. 6:17) This is a reference to the ancient custom of branding slaves with the owner’s mark. Paul’s owner was Christ, and for him he gladly laid down his life. May we likewise be faithful servants.

QUESTIONS

Was it considered unchristian in Paul’s day to own slaves?

Who were Philemon and Onesimus, and what was their former relationship to each other?

Explain the changed circumstances, and the purpose of Paul’s letter to Philemon.

What important principle of the divine plan is revealed in our Golden Text?

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