A Surprising Lesson from the Little Book of Philemon

Tucked into the very short letter that Paul wrote to Philemon is a phrase that might startle a follower of Jesus in our culture. When I read it and reflect upon it, I believe it is something that is missing in today’s church.

Many churches, especially protestant and western churches, do not operate in a strictly biblical way. That is not to say they are sinning or are necessarily wrong but that they are missing something that could make them much stronger. We like a democratic model to be present in our churches. We often elect board members or elders and even pastors and other leaders. But we do not see that example in the New Testament at all.

What about Philemon?

Philemon was a slave owner and a Christian. Of course, to our modern sensitivities that sounds absurd but in the first century Roman Empire slavery was the backbone of commercial enterprise. While this letter acknowledges the reality of the slave culture, it certainly does not condone slavery. In fact, Paul acts as more of a defense counsel for one specific slave.

Paul wrote a letter to Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. After giving a greeting, he broaches the subject of his slave. Listen to his words:

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do…