Why does Paul use such 'heavy handed' phrasing with Philemon (e.g.v8,v19)?
Paul is most likely concerned about Onesimus - Onesimus is a slave, and may not have been viewed
naturally as an equal who should be treated as a brother. Paul is attempting to keep Onesimus
safe, to keep Philemon from sin, and to secure fellowship for all.
The New Testament doesn't ever prohibit slavery. What does Philemon reveal about Paul's attitude towards
slavery?
Master/Slave may be the case, but there is no room for superiority in the relationship. Even slave owners
must forgive their slaves as brothers in Christ and afford them equality in the Christian family.
What family terms does Paul use in this context? What affect do these terms have on the situation?
Child (Onesimus, v10)
Brother (Philemon, v20)
Paul is putting them all on the level of family, and is very strongly aligning himself with Onesimus.
Paul states clearly that both Onesimus and Philemon owe their salvation to his ministry; what impact does this
have on the situation?
On what Philemon is 'due' from Onesimus :
Philemon has already been forgiven a greater debt (sin); forgiving Onesimus should be easy in
comparison, especially as Paul (the one he 'owes') is requesting it.
On their status (relative to each other) :
Both master and slave are on equal footing, brothers in Christ (by the same means no less)
Paul refers to Onesimus as 'his heart' (v12), showing that anything Philemon does to/for Onesimus is as though he does it to/for
Paul. Should this sort of 'shared identity' be normal for Christians? If so, to what level?
Why is Onesimus going back to Philemon?
As Christians, we are to request forgiveness from one another when we sin against each other. (Matt 5:23-26)
Onesimus had wronged Philemon (and violated the role of a slave in Colossians and Ephesians)
What is Onesimus risking by returning to Philemon?
I would guess that Onesimus isn't risking his life, given Philemon's christian status...but it does
require a lot of humility to own up to your mistakes (he's risking his ego), and he is risking
the loss of his current life with Paul (to possibly return to the boring life of a slave).
What attitude about 'property' (wealth) does Philemon need to have to be obedient in this situation?
Philemon has to consider the relationship with Onesimus (and Paul) to be worth more
than the loss of a slave (or the money stolen).
How does Philemon need to regard Onesimus now?
I would guess that it would be hard to not holding a grudge of any sort; to completely forgive Onesimus.
What makes us unable to view others as brothers (equals)? What elements of status do we allow ourselves to hold
against each other?
Economic (master to slave), Age (assuming Philemon is older), Age in Christ (Philemon has been a Christian
longer...)
Which virtue shown by Paul, Onesimus, or Philemon would you most like to grow in?
How can you do this?
Paul - shared identity. I want to be quick to look at others as myself, rejoicing with those who
rejoice and weeping with those who weep. (1 cor 12:25,26)
Onesimus - Onesimus is willing to accept consequences, to restore the relationship, and
to risk punishment; he gains a clear conscience.
Philemon - Assuming Paul's estimation is right (v21), Philemon is willing to forgive harm; he gains a brother.