Philemon part 2 And wrap up.

We continue in verse 12, where Paul gets down to the point. He is sending Onesimus back to his master Philemon. He says that he would have liked to keep Onesimus with him. Onesimus could have taken Philemon's place, helping Paul while he was imprisoned. Here Paul is guilt tripping Philemon again. He is reminding Philemon of the fact that he is not there helping Paul, but Onesimus is. Then Paul says he wouldn't want to do anything (like keep Onesimus with him)  without Philemon's consent, because he wants any favors that Philemon does for him to be "spontaneous and not forced." Hint, hint.

In verse 15, Paul suggests there was a higher purpose for Onesims's defection from Philemon. That purpose might be so that Philemon could have Onesimus back "as no longer a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother." It is unclear if Paul is actually suggesting that Philemon give Onesimus his freedom. He could just be asking him to treat Onesimus well.

From verse 17-21, Paul lays on the guilt and obligation with a trowel. He tells Philemon, "If you consider me a partner (guilt trip #1), welcome him as you would welcome me (gt #2). If he has done anything wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me (gt#3). I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand (ooooh). I will pay it back to you----not to mention that you owe me your very self (Major Guilt Trip). I do wish brother that I may have some benefit from you in the lord (gt#5). Confident of your obedience (gt#6), I write to you, knowing that you will do Even More than I ask. (Ouch).

As if Paul has not got Philemon's attention yet, he adds, "One more thing, prepare a guest room for me, I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers." In other words, Paul is letting Philemon know he intends to check up on him, eventually. I wonder if Philemon actually was praying for Paul's release from prison.

The letter ends with greetings from many of the same people mentioned in the letter to the Colossians.

To wrap up: Paul never claims this letter is scripture or the words of God or Jesus. He only mentions god and Jesus in the greeting and closing of the letter. This letter does not contain any actual theological teachings, content from the old testament, or content from Jesus's life and teachings. It does not mention heaven, hell, angels, demons, Satan, or miracles. It is purely personal, using their relationship as "brothers in christ" for leverage in Philemon's relationship to, and treatment of, Onesimus.

I'm okay with Paul trying to guarantee Onesimus is not abused. However, I think it would have been much more impressive if Paul had said slavery is wrong and god abhors it. But he couldn't do that, because Paul considers himself a slave to god. Paul preaches obedience of slaves to masters. Instead, Paul kind of pulls rank on Onesimus, making him feel obligated to him.

What shall we look at next?

Colossians part 8

We are in verse 20 of chapter three. There, children are told to obey their parents in everything, for this pleases the lord. I'm sure it pleases the parents too. It's a very convenient verse to use when a child is being obstinate, providing the child believes that the bible is an authority. But what if the child is an adult? Do they still have to obey? What if a parent asks them to do something harmful or immoral? It does say "in everything."

Next, fathers are told not to embitter their children. What that specifically means is anybody's guess. there are no specifics. A child could use that to his advantage, if he had the nerve.

Next, slaves are told to obey their earthly masters, and not only when they are being watched. They must do it sincerely, with all their heart, as if they were working for Jesus. Paul says it is actually Jesus they are serving and they will be rewarded with an inheritance. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong. There is no favoritism. Masters must also provide for their slaves, what is just and fair, because they have a master in heaven.

Let's unpack that. Paul obviously does not find slavery objectionable. He does not condemn it. Instead he uses it to compare the relationship of slaves and masters to that of Jesus/god and his believers. Christians are to be like slaves/servants of Jesus/god. So, why would slavery be wrong to Paul? If slavery was fundamentally wrong, then being a slave/servant to a god would be wrong also. It would even be wrong for that god to expect his followers to be his slaves/servants. Paul would be out of a job. His main occupation was trying to find willing slaves for Jesus.

No, slavery in bible times was not different from slavery in the early American colonies. Both slaves had no personal autonomy or rights. Their purpose in life was to do the master's bidding. Carry that as a metaphor into christianity. In fact, the greek word for master in this passage is practically the same word that is also translated as lord. If it it was to be translated literally "the lord" would be "the master."

Chapter 4, verses 2-6, are general admonitions for the Colossians to pray for Paul and his cohorts as they proclaim the "mystery of christ," which we have previously been told just means that christ is in everyone. The Colossians are also told to behave themselves in word and deed. Verse 7 says Tychicus, who probably delivered the letter, will give them news about Paul and company. Tychicus is called a fellow servant in the lord. Translated literally, this would say something like Tychicus is a a fellow slave of the master.

Verse 9 tells about Onesimus, who was apparently a Colossian travelling with Tychicus. We will hear more about Onesimus when we read the book of Philemon next. He was apparently a slave, returning to his master. The parts about slavery in this letter may have been indirectly intended for Philemon.

Again, it seems important to remember that everything Paul writes here is his own thoughts and words. He does not claim they are the commands of Jesus or God. In fact, Jesus says no such things in the so called gospel books.