1.
Paul is asking Philemon to do something – what do you think he is asking Philemon to
do?
I think that the most likely explanation for Onesimus being in prison with Paul is that he was sent
by Philemon to serve him there. So, I think that Paul is sending back Onesimus with the request
that he be treated as a brother by Philemon, but of course he will still be a slave.
Individually list and number each (every, all) reason/explanation/motivation Paul provides to
Philemon to do whatever it is he is supposed to do. Do a careful and thorough job on this
question. For each reason, begin with the verse number and paraphrase the reason/motivation in
one sentence.
9 “I would rather persuade you than command you to do my bidding, though I am just an old
man and a prisoner.”
10 “I am appealing to you for Onesimus, who has become like a son to me.”
11 “Formerly, he was not a Christian and was useless to us in service of the Lord, but that has
changed.”
12 “I am commanding him to return to you, and I care about him dearly.”
13 “I wanted him to stay so that he may serve me during my imprisonment, which was brought
on by my work.”
14 “But again, I didn’t want to treat him as a brother without your permission so that your good
deed may be of your own volition and not otherwise useless.”
15 “Maybe this is why you were separated by God on my account, so you might keep him as
your brother forever upon his return.”
16 “Onesimus is more than a slave now, to me and especially to you, in flesh and in the Lord.”
17 “If I am truly your friend, treat him as you would treat me.”
18 “I will right his wrongs and settle his debts.”
19 “I swear this will be done, I will refrain from reminding you that you owe me anyway, being
the one who converted you.”
20 “Yes, brother, do this for me in service of the Lord! Give me hope and peace of mind in my
imprisonment.”
21 “I am sure you will do even more than I ask of you, loyal disciple.”
2. Paul uses irony to make a play on words with the name of the slave (Onesimus). Think
about it carefully - what point is Paul making to Philemon about the “usefulness” of
Onesimus?
What I think Paul is saying is that though Onesimus, meaning useful in Greek, wasn’t useful in
terms of serving God, he is now. This lines up with the theory that Paul wants Onesimus to be
treated as a brother in flesh and in Christ but kept in slavery. He is still to be used in service of
God the way you use a tool; Paul only perceives him as having more value or “usefulness” than
other slaves because he is now Christian. Paul does not advocate for the freedom of any slaves,
not Christians, not Philemon’s, not Onesimus himself. I think his overarching point is that
Christians should be treated as brothers no matter their social standing, but even so, should not
be free from bondage.
3. In what ways (if any) does Paul uphold the Roman institution of slavery in his letter to
Philemon?
As I said earlier, Paul is not advocating for the freedom of any slaves, including Onesimus. He
may treat Onesimus as a brother while he is serving him in prison, but not as an equal. Paul still
must ask Philemon, Onesimus’ master, if it’s alright if he is treated differently upon his return,
recognizing and reinforcing that Philemon has ownership of him, which even he will not
challenge. Paul clearly cares about Onesimus, but not enough to free him from servitude to his
friend, though he himself says he has the power to do so.
4. In what ways (if any) does Paul’s letter to Philemon undermine the Roman institution of
slavery?
I think it could be argued that treating a slave as a brother in flesh and in Christ undermines the
Roman institution of slavery somewhat, but I would not take this position. I do not think Paul’s
letter undermines the Roman institution of slavery.
5. Do you think Paul has in mind “writing the Bible” as he pens this letter? Why, or why
not?
I don’t think so; the content of this letter and the way it’s written doesn’t strike me as a man
gearing up to write the Bible. I think this is very subjective, though, and I don’t have an absolute
answer. Paul’s letter is meant to be informative and persuasive, not exactly transformative like
the Bible. Some of his letter is reminiscent of how Jesus spoke (at least to me), specifically how
he used parables and metaphors, like the wordplay with Onesimus’ name. However, I think this
is a result of Paul being exposed to the oral history of Jesus, not Paul getting ready to tell Jesus’
story.
