Reading Philemon

Reading the little letter to Philemon takes us into the world of the first century. Wayne Jackson commented concerning this letter:

Christian Ethics

The letter to Philemon is a brilliant affirmation of Christian ethics. Both Paul and Onesimus were convinced that the right thing to do was for the latter to return to his master, making right the earlier wrongs. This may seem strange to the modern mind—return an escaped slave?! But slavery was a longstanding, legal institution in that age, and Christians were to respect laws pertaining to such until a better day should dawn. Thus they did not initiate an attempt to violently overthrow the practice of human bondage; they did not march in the streets in emotional protest. They would simply live Christian lives and wait for the leavening teaching of Christ to work its power.

Moreover, to these godly men the issue was not: “What is the safest thing to do?” Nor: “What is best for us?” Rather, it was: “What is the right thing to do?” This was character!

Courage

The document is a tremendous tribute to courage. Onesimus was a relatively recent convert, but his passion for doing right was tremendous. Consider the fact that the owner of a slave had complete control over his “property.” He could whip him or kill him at his own pleasure. A runaway could be branded on his forehead with an “F”—for fugitivus, a fugitive! Onesimus had no certain knowledge as to his fate, but he forged ahead anyway. That was bravery!

Doing what is RIGHT is not always easy. I wonder, if I were Onesimus or Philemon, would I have the courage to do what was RIGHT?  And you? 

Hugh DeLong