Week 1 – Runaway slave A Study in Philemon

When you were a child, did you ever threaten to run away from home? What are you running from today?

Colossae 100 miles inland from Ephesus. Residential town Rich businessmen from Laodicea lived in Colossae

1/3 of Roman Empire were slaves(approx. 70 million) They worked as butlers, administrators, doctors, teachers, etc. They were not regarded as humans…considered sub-human, a living, breathing machine

Philemon was a slave owner He encounters Paul in Ephesus and is born again Philemon starts a church in his house He owns a slave named Onesimus Onesimus means “useful” Onesimus has to come to despair before he can really hear the good news.

1.  What are some examples in today’s world of running from our circumstances(slave mentality) and trying to find fulfillment in the world?

2. What does it mean to be free in Christ?(Gal 5:1; John 8:31-32)

Paul had gone back to Jerusalem and was nearly killed by a lynch mob. Placed in a dungeon in Caesarea for two years. Paul appeals to his Roman citizenship There is a two year waiting list to see the emperor. Paul is placed under house arrest.

Psalm 23 – “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

God

Onesimus

Paul Epaphras

God

Onesimus

Paul Epaphras

How does Paul handle this? What do you do with slavery and Christianity? Ephesians 6:5-9 – Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

1.! Do you know an Onesimus in your life and do you really believe that all things work together for good to those who love God?

2.! Why do you think Paul didn’t come right out and condemn slavery?

3.! When have you been most amazed and moved by God’s mercy?

4.! What are the risks of seeking forgiveness? Of not seeking it?