The issue of slavery was very real and present under the rule of the Roman Empire. Paul wrote to slaves: “Obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” (Eph 6:5). He also commanded the masters of slaves to treat their slaves well (Eph 6:9). While he did not advocate for the outright abolition of slavery as an institution, he instead argued for the gospel truth to be infused into every layer of the socioeconomic system.
In Philemon, Paul addressed the idea of slavery and introduced a new, revolutionary perspective. This book is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon about a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul had crossed paths with Onesimus in Rome and led him to become a believer in Jesus. Paul, respecting Philemon’s legal right to Onesimus, sent him back to Colossae. In Philemon 10–16, Paul referred to Onesimus as his son and asked Philemon to regard Onesimus as his brother. Because slaves were considered property, this request was very countercultural. Paul advocated that Onesimus be treated the same way he himself would be treated.
The essence of the gospel is freedom. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isa 61:1). Jesus came to bring the dead to life. This gospel transcends any socioeconomic status. Without Christ, everyone is lost and enslaved to sin (Ro 6:17–18). No one can earn or attain their freedom. Everyone needs Jesus and to embrace his finished work on the cross. Because of the cross, the slave can be set free.
The power of the gospel can exist in every context and at every human level. Paul’s words to Philemon help the church understand that in Christ there is a new value system. People are no longer defined by who they once were but rather by their status as children of God. When the church sees people the way that God sees them, it is empowered and emboldened to stand for slaves’ freedom. Humans are not property and should never be devalued in any way. Because every person bears the image of God, the church is called to be a voice for those who do not have a voice.
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