We’re currently studying through Paul’s tiny letter to Philemon. Most people don’t see the important issues raised in this part of Scripture.

I’ve heard many question why Christian teaching seemed to be silent about the issue of slavery. That’s what I believe this letter is all about. The Holy Spirit was using this epistle to plant the seeds of the end slavery.

But, to understand this, you need to know the story behind this book. It all started with a young man named Onesimus.
Years before Paul wrote this, Onesimus was Philemon’s slave. At some point, he robbed Philemon, escaped, and fled to Rome. In Rome, he met Paul, received salvation, and worked with the apostle in the ministry.
Now Onesimus was feeling the need to go back and make things right with Philemon. Please understand – at this point in history, the penalty for a runaway slave was crucifixion. So, Paul is writing this on behalf of Onesimus.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Philemon 7 NIV

In my last posts, we saw how Paul started to introduce the subject. He pointed out that Philemon has shown a great love for others in the body of Christ. He continues this theme.

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul — an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus — I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

Philemon 8-10 NIV

Paul gets right to the point. He makes it clear that as an apostle, he could command obedience from Philemon. But in this case, he wants Philemon to do what’s right as a matter of conscience.

That’s an important point. Paul wants him to do what is right and proper. Even though slavery was the common practice in the Roman Empire at that time, Paul stated that it was right for Onesimus to keep his freedom.

Also, you will notice for the second time in this short letter, Paul refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ. That’s important because we are now well into the church age. There was a large amount of Scripture being circulated.

Paul had already written about this to the Corinthian church. It was a part of his teaching.

Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

1 Corinthians 7:21-23 NIV

It’s clear from these verses, that Paul was definitely against the institution of slavery. That was the case even though it was widely accepted in their society.

As we continue through this letter, we’ll see that it’s not just a matter of Paul’s preference. It is a spiritual truth that slavery is evil.

What does that mean to us? I believe that even though society may condone something as right and proper, God’s people are held to a higher standard.

Question: How should believer approach social issues that go against God’s will?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi