Kopp Disclosure
(John 3:19-21)
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Scratching
the Surface of Philemon
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Christian
behavior is supposed to be different from worldly ways; or as Paul wrote in
Colossians, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that
are on earth."
Christians are
counter-culture when culture is antithetical to Kingdom.
Christians pray
and labor for society as well as Church to be "on earth as it is in
heaven."
If Christians fit
in too well to their culture at the expense of their citizenship in the
Kingdom, it's time for Christians to recognize, as James emphasizes, creeds and
deeds are inseparable; deeds confirming creeds.
We can say we
believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior; yet it is our behavior that gives
credibility to our belief.
While we cannot
work our way into heaven (works righteousness), righteous works (aka obedience) indicate
we're going to heaven.
That's what
Paul's letter to Philemon is all about.
Though it is the
apostle's shortest letter, it is also his most personal and most precisely
passionate when it comes to distinguishing Christian behavior from worldly
ways.
It's about two
Christians named Philemon and Onesimus who were probably evangelized by Paul
(i.e., introduced to Jesus) and most definitely discipled by him (i.e.,
educated about what it means to follow Jesus).
Philemon was a
wealthy member of the Colossian church.
Onesimus was his
slave.
Quickly, it's
important to provide the historical context of slavery in the 1st century.
While
occasionally practiced in Israel, slavery was never widespread and regulated
carefully by the Torah.
Conversely, the
Roman Empire was built on the backs of slaves. Whenever the Romans
conquered somebody, their supply of slaves was replenished; and I remember
reading somewhere that there were more slaves than citizens in the Roman
Empire.
While the Torah
demanded humane treatment of slaves, Roman law was harsh. Slaves were
considered property not people. Slave owners could mistreat slaves and
even kill them. Roman law allowed slave owners to execute runaway slaves.
Contextually,
because Onesimus the slave apparently had run away from Philemon his owner,
Philemon had the legal right to execute Onesimus.
Paul wrote to
Philemon on behalf of Onesimus because all three of 'em believed in Jesus as Lord
and Savior and this letter would emphasize that believing in Jesus requires
behavior proving belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
And don't miss
this very, very, very big point!
Christians don't
care about cultural legalities when they conflict with the Word of God:
"We must obey God not man!"
That's why, as we
read this letter, we can see how it/Christianity contributed to the historical
Christian crusade against slavery because, again, Christian behavior must be
different from worldly ways when they contradict Christianity as enfleshed by
Jesus and explained in Holy Scripture.
Paul writes he is
sending the slave back to the owner to be accepted as a brother through Jesus
rather than for severe punishment as allowed to provide a contrast of Christian
behavior from worldly ways.
The letter begins
with the apostle's typical way of softening 'em up by commendation so he can
slip in the knife of truth/commandment and twist/demand it: "I always
thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and
faith...I have great joy and encouragement from your love..."
"For this
reason," he elaborates, "although I have great boldness in Jesus to
command you to do what is right, I am appealing to you."
If he were going
to confirm his Christianity, Philemon was told he must act like a Christian.
Paul's
expectations were absolute: "I am sending him back to you...so that you
might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave - as
a dearly loved brother...So if you accept me as a partner, accept him as you
would me...I am confident of your obedience...knowing you will do even more
than I say."
As a Christian to
a Christian about a Christian, Paul expected Philemon to practice what he
preached by forgiving Onesimus and treating him like a brother not a
possession.
Revolutionary!
While laying the
groundwork for the Christian crusade against slavery, it is a radiant
illustration of how Christianity contradicts culture when culture contradicts
Christianity.
Identity in,
through, and for Jesus governs the creeds and deeds of people who claim
identity in, through, and for Jesus.
Christians are
Christians first, foremost, and always no matter who, where, what, when, or
why.
Or as Jesus said,
"No one can serve two masters."
Slaves to Jesus
are slaves to no one else.
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...to be continued...
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Blessings and Love!
1 comment:
Wow, this was definitely at Top 10 KD!
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