How the Gospel Crosses Barriers

Introduction

The gospel of Christ has universal appeal. Its power to change lives in not limited by the artificial class barriers that we erect to separate ourselves from one another. Its influence reaches beyond ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural barriers. God is color-blind. He is not impressed with wealth, nationality, education or intellect. The gospel is for all.

Paul's letter to Philemon addresses the practical the problems we encounter in accepting God's universal concern for all humanity. We are human and whether we like to admit it or not, we have a tendency toward discrimination. Paul's letter to Philemon recognizes that tendency and gives us instruction and encouragement to deal with this weakness in our nature.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

1. The institution of slavery in the Roman empire.
   • Approximately 60 million people were enslaved by the Romans in the first century.
   • For the most part manual labor was accomplished by slaves. Manual labor was considered demeaning for a Roman citizen (although some free Romans did work for wages. eg. Pauls work in the tent making profession).
   • The slaves had no rights and no protection from the law.
   • Kind masters were an exception rather than the rule.
   • Running away was a grave crime, punishable by death, though that rarely happened because slaves were an economic asset.
2. The occasion for writing the letter.
   • Onesimus, a runaway slaved was owned by a Christian master, Philemon, who was also a friend of Paul's.
   • Onesimus, had become a Christian, apparently converted by Paul (verse 10)
   • Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon. The letter to Philemon is an appeal to the slaveowner to accept his runaway slave as a brother in Christ.
3. Philemon - the man who received the letter.
   • His status as a slave owner indicates he was probably wealthy.
   • He may have lived in Colosse. (Compare verse 2 with Colossians 4:17)
   • The church met in his house (verse 2; Compare to Colossians 4:15)
   • He was deeply indebted to Paul (verse 19).

PAUL'S APPEAL TO PHILEMON BASED ON FRIENDSHIP
(verses 1-7)

1. Paul's friendship with Philemon is indicated by
   • His prayers (4).
   • His respect for Philemon's walk with Christ (5-6).
   • His personal involvement with Philemon (7).
   • Philemon's generous treatment of the saints (7).
2. Paul appealed to Philemon's sense of integrity, to his compassionate nature, to his relationship skills. Paul's words would have fallen on deaf ears had he dealt with a man who did not have these fine qualities.

top of page    next page