Debts (Philemon 17-20)

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have

The Uniqueness and the Significance of the Letter to Philemon

Often dismissed as a short and theologically unimportant letter, Thurston and Ryan argue that “the letter to Philemon stands on its own merits, given its radical, even groundbreaking appeal, testifying to the uncompromising nature of the Gospel and continuing to challenge all who belong to Christ to live in a way that is a clear

Introduction to the Letter of Philemon: Slavery in Ancient Rome

In order to understand Paul’s letter to Philemon, one needs to know some basic facts about slavery in ancient Rome. The accomplishments of ancient Greece and Rome are impressive, but we should never forget they were built on the exploitation of enslaved workers and even whole societies. Roman military campaigns led to the enslavement of