Paul’s Letter to Philemon: A Dramatic Re-Enactment

Over-throwing an existing social order in favor of a new system

REVOLUTION

Restoration of relationshipRECONCILIATION

Paul’s vision (in Philemon is) not (primarily a revolution) for the ROMAN EMPIRE,

but for the CHURCH…his view (is) about…a new-creation, sibling-based fellowship on

the basis of ADOPTION as CHILDREN of God…The precise aim Paul (has) in mind

(for Onesimus, Philemon, and the CHURCHthat met in his home) was:

ennoblement, integrity, respect, status, honor, and vocation.

SCOT MCKNIGHT

LIBERATION is created by Christ, and in Christ,and it is the Church’s RESPONSIBILITYto create SPACES of liberation, both in the CHURCH itself, and in the CULTURE…

SCOT MCKNIGHT

The Church is to be the first space of RECONCILIATIONin our communities: first, among its own people,

and second, as RECONCILED people (striving)for RECONCILIATION in society (as a whole.)

SCOT MCKNIGHT

1. Liberation BEGINS in the act of GOD in CHRIST, through the SPIRIT

2. That liberation is to be EMBODIED in local church families that are CROSS-CULTURAL, and multi-ETHNIC/GENDERED

3. Embodied liberation in the CHURCH is to be EXPANDED into our WORLD, as we LIVE OUT what it means to be BROTHERS, and SISTERS in a FAMILY of mutual self-giving LOVE amidst/against INUSTICE…

THREE WORKING PREMISES…

- Rooted in social standing, not in “race” or skin color- Viewed as morally, and inherently inferior to non-

slaves- Legally non-existent; could not marry, or inherit

anything- Was about one’s legal status, not one’s “occupation”- Not equated to ignorance, or incompetence- Male slaves remained “boys, with “manhood” denied- Slaves were bought, traded, branded, exploited, often

physically/sexually abused, shackled, and alwayspunished more severely than a citizen/free person

- Lot in life solely determined based on thecharacter/temperament of their owner…

ELEMENTS OF ROMAN SLAVERY

1. PAUL = apostle, prisoner, theologian, church planter

2. PHILEMON = “Oikos” leader, co-worker w/Paul, slave owner

3. ONESIMUS = “Useful,” runaway slave, Philemon’s property,

but also now a “faithful, and beloved brother”

4. COLOSSAE CHURCH = Philemon’s immediate family,extended family, slaves, servants, etc.

5. TYCHICUS = performer of the letter

MAJOR PLAYERS TO BE AWARE OF

SLAVES

FAMILY

CHURCH FOLK

Philemon

Tychicus

Onesimus

Paul, and Timothy

Eating their popcorn“What will he do?!”

Biting their nails

“What will

we do?!”

On the edge of

their seats

“Pleeease

welcomehim!”

Paul’s Letter to Philemon: A Dramatic Re-Enactment

However you choose to vote/abstain on Tuesday,determine NOW to live with a heart ofRECONCILIATION toward your fellow siblingsin Christ, and a heart REVOLUTIONARY LOVEtoward your fellow human beings…

SOUL TRAINING EXERCISE

Paul’s Letter to Philemon: A Dramatic Re-Enactment