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Today’s second lesson is unique in the New Testament canon: it is the only authentic letter of Paul written to a private individual.  All the other letters are written to Christian communities, all, with the exception of Romans, to churches which Paul has founded, in Corinth, Galatia, Philippi, or Thessalonika. 

Philemon is a wealthy resident of the city of Colossae whom Paul has converted.  Paul writes to him because Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, has run away, probably taking with him some things belonging to Philemon.  Onesimus has found sanctuary with Paul.  I am reminded of Canada’s role in the underground railway that brought freedom to slaves fleeing the southern states. 

But there is a big difference: the underground railway was the way to escape slavery; Paul, however, intends to return Onesimus to his master.  Paul evidently accepts the institution of slavery but hopes that Philemon will give Onesimus his freedom; he offers to compensate Philemon for any loss that he has suffered through the loss of his slave and, perhaps, of some of his property. 

Onesimus, like has master, has been converted by Paul, and this suggests the possibility that the master-slave relationship may be replaced by the relationship of brothers in Christ.  Paul hopes to spare Onesimus the severe punishment meted out to runaway slaves in the Roman empire. 

Paul refrains from using his apostolic authority to get Philemon to comply with his wishes.  Rather, he cites his advanced age and the fact that he is in prison for the sake of Christ.  Rather than demanding the obedience due to an apostle, Paul requests freedom for Onesimus in the light of all that his master owes to Paul. 

The slave’s name is derived from a Greek verb which means “benefit” or “profit,” and Paul puns on this etymology: Onesimus has shown himself to be useful to the apostle in his work, and Paul would like to retain his services.  He sends his co-worker Tychikus to Colossae to accompany Onesimus on his return to Philemon and to deliver Paul’s letter. 

In our church we see the use of episcopal authority to resolve disputes, for example, over the retention of church property by congregations which are in disagreement with their bishop.  On occasion, the matter is only resolved by appeal to the civil courts, something which Paul deplores (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). 

Sometimes the use of authority may be necessary, but this lovely letter shows how persuasion can be just as effective and is certainly more in accord with Christian values.

November 13, 2011

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