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Philippians and Philemon: Prison Epistles, Part 2

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Philippians (Philippians 1–4)
    22 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Philippians: Suffering and Community (Philippians Review)
    22 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Overview of Philemon
    22 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Paul and Slavery (Philemon, Romans 6 Review)
    17 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Social Impact
    9 Activities
    |
    4 Assessments
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

Beyond mediation and commendation, Philemon is a great example of the practice of reciprocity in ancient Roman society. As we discussed in Philippians, many relationships in this context involved the assumption of mutual giving—gifts that often included suggestions of how they might be repaid. 

Philemon has been called “a masterpiece of subtle suggestion.” Paul is writing “on the basis of love” (v. 9), but there is a clear attempt at manipulation of Philemon in respect to Onesimus’ freedom. Bible scholar Dr. Luke Johnson frames this “awkward” situation:

Philemon, the slave owner, has the Roman law on his side, and since Paul is the cause of Onesimus’ defection, he is legally to blame. But he is also convinced that Onesimus—now that he is a Christian—cannot be considered simply property. He is an equal before the Lord and a “brother.” By accepting Onesimus among his companions, Paul has brought some financial harm to Philemon, which he promises to repay (v. 18).

Quoted from: Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament: Third Edition, 2010, pp. 342-343.

  1. While Paul has caused financial harm to Philemon through the loss of his slave, he has also given Philemon something great. What is it?