Navigating the Bible: Philemon

I appeal to you to show kindness to my I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onissimus. child, Onissimus. child, Onissimus. I wanted you to help because you were I wanted you to help because you were I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. He willing, not because you were forced. He willing, not because you were forced. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is is no longer like a slave to you. He is is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave. For he is a beloved more than a slave. For he is a beloved more than a slave. For he is a beloved brother, especially to me. brother, especially to me. brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both Now he will mean much more to you, both Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. as a man and as a brother in the Lord. as a man and as a brother in the Lord. Phileiman verses 10, 14, and 16. Phileiman verses 10, 14, and 16. Phileiman verses 10, 14, and 16. The book of Phileiman is unlike any of The book of Phileiman is unlike any of The book of Phileiman is unlike any of Paul's other letters. Or perhaps I Paul's other letters. Or perhaps I Paul's other letters. Or perhaps I should say it this way, it is unlike any should say it this way, it is unlike any should say it this way, it is unlike any of Paul's other full letters. We've seen of Paul's other full letters. We've seen of Paul's other full letters. We've seen Paul admonish or encourage specific Paul admonish or encourage specific Paul admonish or encourage specific people amidst some of his other letters. people amidst some of his other letters. people amidst some of his other letters. But here we have a standalone letter But here we have a standalone letter But here we have a standalone letter from Paul to Phileiman asking him a from Paul to Phileiman asking him a from Paul to Phileiman asking him a favor regarding Phileiman's slave favor regarding Phileiman's slave favor regarding Phileiman's slave Onissimus.

Onissimus. Onissimus. This letter is important for many This letter is important for many This letter is important for many reasons as it teaches us from multiple reasons as it teaches us from multiple reasons as it teaches us from multiple different angles. What can we learn from different angles. What can we learn from different angles. What can we learn from what Paul is saying to Phileiman? What what Paul is saying to Phileiman? What what Paul is saying to Phileiman? What can we learn from what Paul is saying can we learn from what Paul is saying can we learn from what Paul is saying about Onysimus? about Onysimus? about Onysimus? And what can we learn from how Paul says And what can we learn from how Paul says And what can we learn from how Paul says these things? these things? these things? It's a little letter, but there's a lot It's a little letter, but there's a lot It's a little letter, but there's a lot to unpack. So, to help us navigate the to unpack. So, to help us navigate the to unpack. So, to help us navigate the book of Phileiman is Dr. Dennis Edwards, book of Phileiman is Dr. Dennis Edwards, book of Phileiman is Dr. Dennis Edwards, vice president for church relations and vice president for church relations and vice president for church relations and dean of the seminary at North Park dean of the seminary at North Park dean of the seminary at North Park University in Chicago and author of the University in Chicago and author of the University in Chicago and author of the Phileiman section of the New Testament Phileiman section of the New Testament Phileiman section of the New Testament in color multithnic Bible commentary. in color multithnic Bible commentary. in color multithnic Bible commentary. My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is My name is Jason Wheelen and this is doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible doable disciplehip navigating the Bible phan. All right, I'm here today with Dennis All right, I'm here today with Dennis Edwards. Dennis, thank you so much for Edwards. Dennis, thank you so much for Edwards. Dennis, thank you so much for being here today as we dive into being here today as we dive into being here today as we dive into Phileiman. I'm looking forward to it.

Phileiman. I'm looking forward to it. Phileiman. I'm looking forward to it. >> Yeah, me too. And thank you uh for the >> Yeah, me too. And thank you uh for the >> Yeah, me too. And thank you uh for the opportunity. It's a pleasure to be with opportunity. It's a pleasure to be with opportunity. It's a pleasure to be with you. you. you. >> Now, a lot of the of of the commentaries >> Now, a lot of the of of the commentaries >> Now, a lot of the of of the commentaries combine Colossians and Phileiman. I've combine Colossians and Phileiman. I've combine Colossians and Phileiman. I've saw that a bunch of times, but you know saw that a bunch of times, but you know saw that a bunch of times, but you know what? I just said, you know, I want to I what? I just said, you know, I want to I what? I just said, you know, I want to I want to have a standalone episode on want to have a standalone episode on want to have a standalone episode on Phileiman because there's so much that Phileiman because there's so much that Phileiman because there's so much that is specific to this letter that is worth is specific to this letter that is worth is specific to this letter that is worth unpacking. So, can we um start by kind unpacking. So, can we um start by kind unpacking. So, can we um start by kind of getting our bearings a little bit? Um of getting our bearings a little bit? Um of getting our bearings a little bit? Um what do we know about the authorship? I what do we know about the authorship? I what do we know about the authorship? I mean, it starts by saying this is a mean, it starts by saying this is a mean, it starts by saying this is a letter from Paul, but what can you what letter from Paul, but what can you what letter from Paul, but what can you what do you want to tell us about the do you want to tell us about the do you want to tell us about the authorship of this letter about Paul? authorship of this letter about Paul? authorship of this letter about Paul? And then maybe kind of the timeline of And then maybe kind of the timeline of And then maybe kind of the timeline of when this was written. As we've been when this was written. As we've been when this was written. As we've been especially going through Paul's especially going through Paul's especially going through Paul's epistles, we've been having kind of fun epistles, we've been having kind of fun epistles, we've been having kind of fun looking at looking at looking at >> when these were written relative to >> when these were written relative to >> when these were written relative to other letters. how we've se how we've other letters. how we've se how we've other letters. how we've se how we've seen the breadth of his ministry play seen the breadth of his ministry play seen the breadth of his ministry play out and maybe how that affects the out and maybe how that affects the out and maybe how that affects the writing of it. So, so what can you tell writing of it. So, so what can you tell writing of it. So, so what can you tell us about authorship and about uh when us about authorship and about uh when us about authorship and about uh when this letter was written?

this letter was written? this letter was written? >> Yeah, sure. I I appreciate that >> Yeah, sure. I I appreciate that >> Yeah, sure. I I appreciate that conversation that you were interested in conversation that you were interested in conversation that you were interested in a standalone episode on Phileiman. Um a standalone episode on Phileiman. Um a standalone episode on Phileiman. Um the reason why they're connected, as you the reason why they're connected, as you the reason why they're connected, as you might know, is at the end of the letters might know, is at the end of the letters might know, is at the end of the letters there's some of the same names show up there's some of the same names show up there's some of the same names show up at the end of Colossians as in at the end of Colossians as in at the end of Colossians as in Phileiman. And it's possible that both Phileiman. And it's possible that both Phileiman. And it's possible that both letters were sent at the same time. Um letters were sent at the same time. Um letters were sent at the same time. Um that's for the scholars who think Paul that's for the scholars who think Paul that's for the scholars who think Paul wrote Colossians. You know, there's a wrote Colossians. You know, there's a wrote Colossians. You know, there's a little debate over that. little debate over that. little debate over that. >> Not not that same not that kind of >> Not not that same not that kind of >> Not not that same not that kind of debate over Phileiman. In fact, you're debate over Phileiman. In fact, you're debate over Phileiman. In fact, you're >> uh virtually all scholars think Paul >> uh virtually all scholars think Paul >> uh virtually all scholars think Paul wrote Phileiman. I always like to point wrote Phileiman. I always like to point wrote Phileiman. I always like to point out that even though we call these out that even though we call these out that even though we call these letters Pauline, I Paul's rarely alone. letters Pauline, I Paul's rarely alone. letters Pauline, I Paul's rarely alone. So even in the opening, it's Paul and So even in the opening, it's Paul and So even in the opening, it's Paul and Timothy. And I always like to point that Timothy. And I always like to point that Timothy. And I always like to point that out when when we're talking about these out when when we're talking about these out when when we're talking about these written letters. Somehow Timothy is written letters. Somehow Timothy is written letters. Somehow Timothy is working with Paul. But yeah, and we working with Paul. But yeah, and we working with Paul. But yeah, and we think it's in the mid to late 50s, some think it's in the mid to late 50s, some think it's in the mid to late 50s, some would say even early 60s. I mean, Paul's would say even early 60s. I mean, Paul's would say even early 60s. I mean, Paul's writing from prison. The question has writing from prison. The question has writing from prison. The question has been where is it from Rome or is it from been where is it from Rome or is it from been where is it from Rome or is it from Ephesus? Um, and then you've got the Ephesus? Um, and then you've got the Ephesus? Um, and then you've got the interplay with Colossians. Um the interplay with Colossians. Um the interplay with Colossians. Um the proximity of Colasse to to Ephesus is um proximity of Colasse to to Ephesus is um proximity of Colasse to to Ephesus is um why there's a there's a kind of a why there's a there's a kind of a why there's a there's a kind of a resurgence of folks thinking that uh resurgence of folks thinking that uh resurgence of folks thinking that uh that Paul is in an Ephesian prison and that Paul is in an Ephesian prison and that Paul is in an Ephesian prison and the older thinking was that he was in a the older thinking was that he was in a the older thinking was that he was in a Roman prison. So there's no I guess Roman prison. So there's no I guess Roman prison. So there's no I guess we're not really settled there, but the we're not really settled there, but the we're not really settled there, but the consensus is starting to build around consensus is starting to build around consensus is starting to build around Ephesus. And if that's the case, then it Ephesus. And if that's the case, then it Ephesus. And if that's the case, then it could be as early as the I'll say mid to

could be as early as the I'll say mid to could be as early as the I'll say mid to late 50s that Paul is writing this. Mhm. late 50s that Paul is writing this. Mhm. late 50s that Paul is writing this. Mhm. Okay. So, so that helps. It kind of puts Okay. So, so that helps. It kind of puts Okay. So, so that helps. It kind of puts us in that space in that time frame. So, us in that space in that time frame. So, us in that space in that time frame. So, okay. Let's then look at the letter okay. Let's then look at the letter okay. Let's then look at the letter itself. itself. itself. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> How would you describe Phileiman in one >> How would you describe Phileiman in one >> How would you describe Phileiman in one sentence? sentence? sentence? >> Yeah. Yeah. I I guess taking the uh the >> Yeah. Yeah. I I guess taking the uh the >> Yeah. Yeah. I I guess taking the uh the real, you know, kind of shrinking it real, you know, kind of shrinking it real, you know, kind of shrinking it down. Um, it's how an a Christian down. Um, it's how an a Christian down. Um, it's how an a Christian enslaver enslaver enslaver should recognize the humanity of the should recognize the humanity of the should recognize the humanity of the enslaved. enslaved. enslaved. >> Now, I put that in general terms, >> Now, I put that in general terms, >> Now, I put that in general terms, although of course there's a specific uh although of course there's a specific uh although of course there's a specific uh interaction that Paul wants between interaction that Paul wants between interaction that Paul wants between Phileiman and Onesimus, but I but I Phileiman and Onesimus, but I but I Phileiman and Onesimus, but I but I think there's a generalizing comment think there's a generalizing comment think there's a generalizing comment there because of other aspects of there because of other aspects of there because of other aspects of Pauline theology. So, I'm describing the Pauline theology. So, I'm describing the Pauline theology. So, I'm describing the book in one sentence as how this book in one sentence as how this book in one sentence as how this Christian enslaver should recognize the Christian enslaver should recognize the Christian enslaver should recognize the humanity of the enslaved. M I know I I I humanity of the enslaved. M I know I I I humanity of the enslaved. M I know I I I love that you framed it that way because love that you framed it that way because love that you framed it that way because that's such a big uh theme that I know that's such a big uh theme that I know that's such a big uh theme that I know we'll talk about more today, but as we'll talk about more today, but as we'll talk about more today, but as we've been going through this whole we've been going through this whole we've been going through this whole series of navigating the Bible and going series of navigating the Bible and going series of navigating the Bible and going through each one, the idea of the through each one, the idea of the through each one, the idea of the humanity of other people and going back humanity of other people and going back humanity of other people and going back to the very beginning of image to the very beginning of image to the very beginning of image bearedness, being imagebearers and bearedness, being imagebearers and bearedness, being imagebearers and tracing that through has has been just a tracing that through has has been just a tracing that through has has been just a major theme that we've been looking at major theme that we've been looking at major theme that we've been looking at throughout the whole of scripture. So,

throughout the whole of scripture. So, throughout the whole of scripture. So, I'm excited to dive into that. Before we I'm excited to dive into that. Before we I'm excited to dive into that. Before we get into that theme a little bit deeper, get into that theme a little bit deeper, get into that theme a little bit deeper, though, though, though, we usually ask what the trajectory or we usually ask what the trajectory or we usually ask what the trajectory or the flow is of a book. Now, Phileiman is the flow is of a book. Now, Phileiman is the flow is of a book. Now, Phileiman is is is the shortest book that we've is is the shortest book that we've is is the shortest book that we've covered up to this point, but hey, you covered up to this point, but hey, you covered up to this point, but hey, you know, so so we got 25 verses. I think we know, so so we got 25 verses. I think we know, so so we got 25 verses. I think we had I think we had one that was only 23 had I think we had one that was only 23 had I think we had one that was only 23 verses if I remember correctly. But verses if I remember correctly. But verses if I remember correctly. But anyway, so we got 25 verses here. So anyway, so we got 25 verses here. So anyway, so we got 25 verses here. So what do you what is Paul writing about? what do you what is Paul writing about? what do you what is Paul writing about? What is the flow of this letter? And What is the flow of this letter? And What is the flow of this letter? And what's the big takeaway here as as we what's the big takeaway here as as we what's the big takeaway here as as we see what was Paul see what was Paul see what was Paul >> writing to? >> writing to? >> writing to? >> Yeah. Yeah. This I mean it is >> Yeah. Yeah. This I mean it is >> Yeah. Yeah. This I mean it is interesting. You're right. It's a short interesting. You're right. It's a short interesting. You're right. It's a short letter. It's been getting a lot of letter. It's been getting a lot of letter. It's been getting a lot of attention in recent years. Um but I attention in recent years. Um but I attention in recent years. Um but I would say you know let's say Contra would say you know let's say Contra would say you know let's say Contra Romans, right? Where you've got all this Romans, right? Where you've got all this Romans, right? Where you've got all this stuff that we think is Paul laying out stuff that we think is Paul laying out stuff that we think is Paul laying out all this heavy theology. We got all all this heavy theology. We got all all this heavy theology. We got all kinds of debates around the over kinds of debates around the over kinds of debates around the over justification and and righteousness of justification and and righteousness of justification and and righteousness of God and these very loaded terms. We God and these very loaded terms. We God and these very loaded terms. We don't see any of those terms really in don't see any of those terms really in don't see any of those terms really in in this book. So the flow it's deeply in this book. So the flow it's deeply in this book. So the flow it's deeply personal. It's Paul appeals to Phileiman personal. It's Paul appeals to Phileiman personal. It's Paul appeals to Phileiman in front of some other members of the in front of some other members of the in front of some other members of the community. In fact, it's the only only community. In fact, it's the only only community. In fact, it's the only only New Testament letter that's addressed to New Testament letter that's addressed to New Testament letter that's addressed to well except for maybe second John, but well except for maybe second John, but well except for maybe second John, but it's it's addressed to a woman as well it's it's addressed to a woman as well it's it's addressed to a woman as well as Philemen Afia, our sister. And um and as Philemen Afia, our sister. And um and as Philemen Afia, our sister. And um and and there's debate over second John. I and there's debate over second John. I and there's debate over second John. I won't get into that. But but the main won't get into that. But but the main won't get into that. But but the main point here is that it's very personal.

point here is that it's very personal. point here is that it's very personal. So Paul appeals to Phileiman to take So Paul appeals to Phileiman to take So Paul appeals to Phileiman to take back Onesimus and receive him as a back Onesimus and receive him as a back Onesimus and receive him as a brother and not as an enslaved person. brother and not as an enslaved person. brother and not as an enslaved person. And so the trajectory is basically that And so the trajectory is basically that And so the trajectory is basically that is Paul appealing. Now of course we can is Paul appealing. Now of course we can is Paul appealing. Now of course we can get into some details in time but that's get into some details in time but that's get into some details in time but that's the overall flow. It's a personal appeal the overall flow. It's a personal appeal the overall flow. It's a personal appeal to Phileiman to recognize the work that to Phileiman to recognize the work that to Phileiman to recognize the work that God has done in Onesimus and to take God has done in Onesimus and to take God has done in Onesimus and to take Onesimus back. And of course, in the in Onesimus back. And of course, in the in Onesimus back. And of course, in the in the u in the flow of all of that, you the u in the flow of all of that, you the u in the flow of all of that, you see Paul's apostolic authority come see Paul's apostolic authority come see Paul's apostolic authority come through. You see his um care for both of through. You see his um care for both of through. You see his um care for both of these men come through. And you also these men come through. And you also these men come through. And you also pick up a few things about the um pick up a few things about the um pick up a few things about the um relational um dynamics between Paul and relational um dynamics between Paul and relational um dynamics between Paul and Phileiman in terms of him you know his Phileiman in terms of him you know his Phileiman in terms of him you know his expectations. expectations. expectations. So it it is interesting to put this in So it it is interesting to put this in So it it is interesting to put this in the context of the other letters Paul the context of the other letters Paul the context of the other letters Paul has written is is we have a whole bunch has written is is we have a whole bunch has written is is we have a whole bunch of letters that were written to churches of letters that were written to churches of letters that were written to churches him know you know him being the founding him know you know him being the founding him know you know him being the founding pastor of a bunch of these churches if pastor of a bunch of these churches if pastor of a bunch of these churches if you will and and he he's responding to you will and and he he's responding to you will and and he he's responding to issues that he's heard about. So they're issues that he's heard about. So they're issues that he's heard about. So they're very much like do this do this don't do very much like do this do this don't do very much like do this do this don't do you know whatever it is and a bunch of you know whatever it is and a bunch of you know whatever it is and a bunch of those. And then we have um the the those. And then we have um the the those. And then we have um the the pastoral epistles with Timothy and pastoral epistles with Timothy and pastoral epistles with Timothy and Titus. And those read like mentorship Titus. And those read like mentorship Titus. And those read like mentorship letters. They read like encouraging letters. They read like encouraging letters. They read like encouraging letters. Hey, letters. Hey, letters. Hey, >> it's a good way to put it.

>> it's a good way to put it. >> it's a good way to put it. >> You guys are taking the ne, you know, >> You guys are taking the ne, you know, >> You guys are taking the ne, you know, you're the next generation of pastors you're the next generation of pastors you're the next generation of pastors doing these things. I'm on my last legs doing these things. I'm on my last legs doing these things. I'm on my last legs and I'm I'm I'm giving some final bits and I'm I'm I'm giving some final bits and I'm I'm I'm giving some final bits of wisdom to you. Yeah. And then you of wisdom to you. Yeah. And then you of wisdom to you. Yeah. And then you have Phileiman which is a as you said a have Phileiman which is a as you said a have Phileiman which is a as you said a personal letter to the three people that personal letter to the three people that personal letter to the three people that were mentioned um and were mentioned um and were mentioned um and and talking about an issue. This is it and talking about an issue. This is it and talking about an issue. This is it reads almost like I I forget which of reads almost like I I forget which of reads almost like I I forget which of the epistles uh it was earlier that like the epistles uh it was earlier that like the epistles uh it was earlier that like Paul is writing to the church but then Paul is writing to the church but then Paul is writing to the church but then he starts to talk about two people he starts to talk about two people he starts to talk about two people specifically where he says stop your specifically where he says stop your specifically where he says stop your quarreling you know but Philippians yes quarreling you know but Philippians yes quarreling you know but Philippians yes that's he ends he ends Philippians by that's he ends he ends Philippians by that's he ends he ends Philippians by saying you two stop it so it reads saying you two stop it so it reads saying you two stop it so it reads almost like he's wanting to stop speak almost like he's wanting to stop speak almost like he's wanting to stop speak specifically to somebody like he did in specifically to somebody like he did in specifically to somebody like he did in other examples so so what is it about other examples so so what is it about other examples so so what is it about phileim women that lends itself to being phileim women that lends itself to being phileim women that lends itself to being its own letter, its own it's its own its own letter, its own it's its own its own letter, its own it's its own thing that that we are able to still thing that that we are able to still thing that that we are able to still have in the canon of scripture.

have in the canon of scripture. have in the canon of scripture. >> Yeah. No, I I appreciate that. There's I >> Yeah. No, I I appreciate that. There's I >> Yeah. No, I I appreciate that. There's I would argue and maybe different from the would argue and maybe different from the would argue and maybe different from the really um serious Pauline scholars. I really um serious Pauline scholars. I really um serious Pauline scholars. I tend to do a lot of my work in the tend to do a lot of my work in the tend to do a lot of my work in the general epistles. I would argue though general epistles. I would argue though general epistles. I would argue though that all of Paul's letters are getting that all of Paul's letters are getting that all of Paul's letters are getting at this theme of reconciliation. Yeah. at this theme of reconciliation. Yeah. at this theme of reconciliation. Yeah. >> And trying to keep uh some community >> And trying to keep uh some community >> And trying to keep uh some community cohesion. It's just what the issues are cohesion. It's just what the issues are cohesion. It's just what the issues are are different. Um if of course this is are different. Um if of course this is are different. Um if of course this is tacked on with the Colossians letter, tacked on with the Colossians letter, tacked on with the Colossians letter, you could imagine some of the bigger you could imagine some of the bigger you could imagine some of the bigger issues that he might be talking about to issues that he might be talking about to issues that he might be talking about to the church in Colasse and this one being the church in Colasse and this one being the church in Colasse and this one being and consider this too. You could think and consider this too. You could think and consider this too. You could think of it as something like that. But if but of it as something like that. But if but of it as something like that. But if but if we just take it on its own, it shows if we just take it on its own, it shows if we just take it on its own, it shows us just how important us just how important us just how important >> uh these relational dynamics are to Paul >> uh these relational dynamics are to Paul >> uh these relational dynamics are to Paul that and it shows us that God cares that and it shows us that God cares that and it shows us that God cares about individuals as well as the whole about individuals as well as the whole about individuals as well as the whole community that there's something that community that there's something that community that there's something that Paul needs to see in and um I'm sorry Paul needs to see in and um I'm sorry Paul needs to see in and um I'm sorry that Phileiman needs to see in Onesimus that Phileiman needs to see in Onesimus that Phileiman needs to see in Onesimus that becomes a lesson for everybody.

that becomes a lesson for everybody. that becomes a lesson for everybody. Yeah. There's something about how we're Yeah. There's something about how we're Yeah. There's something about how we're supposed to see our sisters and supposed to see our sisters and supposed to see our sisters and brothers. brothers. brothers. >> I love it. Yeah. It it really highlights >> I love it. Yeah. It it really highlights >> I love it. Yeah. It it really highlights the importance of it and it's so and the importance of it and it's so and the importance of it and it's so and it's as we'll talk about now as we get it's as we'll talk about now as we get it's as we'll talk about now as we get into the themes. It is a central theme into the themes. It is a central theme into the themes. It is a central theme of the Christian gospel is seeing people of the Christian gospel is seeing people of the Christian gospel is seeing people for you know how God sees them. for you know how God sees them. for you know how God sees them. >> Um so let's get into the major themes of >> Um so let's get into the major themes of >> Um so let's get into the major themes of this book. We've been talking about it a this book. We've been talking about it a this book. We've been talking about it a little bit but but what do you want to little bit but but what do you want to little bit but but what do you want to say specifically about this major theme say specifically about this major theme say specifically about this major theme and maybe some other little themes that and maybe some other little themes that and maybe some other little themes that you may want to point out too? No, I you may want to point out too? No, I you may want to point out too? No, I appreciate that. I, you know, it's appreciate that. I, you know, it's appreciate that. I, you know, it's interesting and empty Wright who's, you interesting and empty Wright who's, you interesting and empty Wright who's, you know, everybody seems to know who he is, know, everybody seems to know who he is, know, everybody seems to know who he is, right? A big New Testament scholar, has right? A big New Testament scholar, has right? A big New Testament scholar, has a huge book, Paul and the faithfulness a huge book, Paul and the faithfulness a huge book, Paul and the faithfulness of God, these huge volumes. And he opens of God, these huge volumes. And he opens of God, these huge volumes. And he opens up talking about Phileiman, this small up talking about Phileiman, this small up talking about Phileiman, this small book, and you would think that he might, book, and you would think that he might, book, and you would think that he might, you know, get to Romans or get some of you know, get to Romans or get some of you know, get to Romans or get some of those things that we think are meaty. I those things that we think are meaty. I those things that we think are meaty. I think this one of the biggest themes in think this one of the biggest themes in think this one of the biggest themes in here and in right points it out it's here and in right points it out it's here and in right points it out it's it's this notion of of of reconciliation it's this notion of of of reconciliation it's this notion of of of reconciliation as I mentioned the notion of community as I mentioned the notion of community as I mentioned the notion of community he would say that you know it's it's he would say that you know it's it's he would say that you know it's it's this unity across boundaries is the way this unity across boundaries is the way this unity across boundaries is the way in Wright puts it he said this messianic in Wright puts it he said this messianic in Wright puts it he said this messianic unity across uh traditional boundaries I unity across uh traditional boundaries I unity across uh traditional boundaries I think that that's key to see I mean that think that that's key to see I mean that think that that's key to see I mean that u to me that's at the heart of it this u to me that's at the heart of it this u to me that's at the heart of it this relationships that transcend end um you relationships that transcend end um you relationships that transcend end um you know transcend the way society operates.

know transcend the way society operates. know transcend the way society operates. So society would have a stratification So society would have a stratification So society would have a stratification and Christian relationships ought to and Christian relationships ought to and Christian relationships ought to work um more uh I I'll say more lovingly work um more uh I I'll say more lovingly work um more uh I I'll say more lovingly uh in fact even dismantling perhaps some uh in fact even dismantling perhaps some uh in fact even dismantling perhaps some of those societal restrictions. There's of those societal restrictions. There's of those societal restrictions. There's something about this reconciliation that something about this reconciliation that something about this reconciliation that has to reflect has to reflect has to reflect Jesus in a way that the broader society Jesus in a way that the broader society Jesus in a way that the broader society doesn't. doesn't. doesn't. >> So I think that's a key theme and and >> So I think that's a key theme and and >> So I think that's a key theme and and and why this is so important. And even and why this is so important. And even and why this is so important. And even though you don't see words like uh though you don't see words like uh though you don't see words like uh righteousness of God and justification righteousness of God and justification righteousness of God and justification by faith and those kinds of themes in by faith and those kinds of themes in by faith and those kinds of themes in here, that fundamental point that the here, that fundamental point that the here, that fundamental point that the community has to learn how to love one community has to learn how to love one community has to learn how to love one another despite society's um work another despite society's um work another despite society's um work against that comes through I think against that comes through I think against that comes through I think pretty strongly in here. So I see that pretty strongly in here. So I see that pretty strongly in here. So I see that as a key theme in here. Um, and you as a key theme in here. Um, and you as a key theme in here. Um, and you might get some other themes in here might get some other themes in here might get some other themes in here because the the um the uh uh kind of because the the um the uh uh kind of because the the um the uh uh kind of social stratification that's illustrated social stratification that's illustrated social stratification that's illustrated in an enslaved person and a free person in an enslaved person and a free person in an enslaved person and a free person would have implications for the rest of would have implications for the rest of would have implications for the rest of the committee rest of the community. I the committee rest of the community. I the committee rest of the community. I mean, yeah, we don't know how many mean, yeah, we don't know how many mean, yeah, we don't know how many enslaved people were in Phileim's enslaved people were in Phileim's enslaved people were in Phileim's household. he might have just had the household. he might have just had the household. he might have just had the one enslaved person, one enslaved person, one enslaved person, >> but the fact that this letter gets >> but the fact that this letter gets >> but the fact that this letter gets written written written >> um and then read to other communities >> um and then read to other communities >> um and then read to other communities and shared, it's going to have and shared, it's going to have and shared, it's going to have implications for how other Christians implications for how other Christians implications for how other Christians think about the their community life and think about the their community life and think about the their community life and how they relate to one another. So, I how they relate to one another. So, I how they relate to one another. So, I think the um that big theme resonates, think the um that big theme resonates, think the um that big theme resonates, oh my goodness, throughout uh New

oh my goodness, throughout uh New oh my goodness, throughout uh New Testament writings in general. Yeah, it Testament writings in general. Yeah, it Testament writings in general. Yeah, it I think I think you're so spot on that I think I think you're so spot on that I think I think you're so spot on that Paul knew how his letters were being Paul knew how his letters were being Paul knew how his letters were being treated and handled at this time. treated and handled at this time. treated and handled at this time. >> So, he knew that it was going to be >> So, he knew that it was going to be >> So, he knew that it was going to be passed along and that was going to be passed along and that was going to be passed along and that was going to be read. And to hearken back to something read. And to hearken back to something read. And to hearken back to something that we've been talking about a lot as that we've been talking about a lot as that we've been talking about a lot as we've been talking through the Paul we've been talking through the Paul we've been talking through the Paul epistles epistles epistles >> is Paul is well familiar with the >> is Paul is well familiar with the >> is Paul is well familiar with the context of starting these Christian context of starting these Christian context of starting these Christian communities communities communities >> amidst the gentile culture. you know, >> amidst the gentile culture. you know, >> amidst the gentile culture. you know, the pagan culture of Rome and all these the pagan culture of Rome and all these the pagan culture of Rome and all these different places and knowing that what different places and knowing that what different places and knowing that what he he he >> I should say what the Christian message >> I should say what the Christian message >> I should say what the Christian message presents is countercultural at its presents is countercultural at its presents is countercultural at its heart. heart. heart. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And so him having to respond in this way >> And so him having to respond in this way >> And so him having to respond in this way and call out this specific theme of how and call out this specific theme of how and call out this specific theme of how you see people you see people you see people >> uh because you know it's not just at at >> uh because you know it's not just at at >> uh because you know it's not just at at this point in in time. It's, you know, this point in in time. It's, you know, this point in in time. It's, you know, we've seen this throughout all of we've seen this throughout all of we've seen this throughout all of history, but what he's pointing out is history, but what he's pointing out is history, but what he's pointing out is that, hey, we have a new path now. We that, hey, we have a new path now. We that, hey, we have a new path now. We have a, we are called to something have a, we are called to something have a, we are called to something different, something deeper.

different, something deeper. different, something deeper. >> And yes, >> And yes, >> And yes, >> you can see that in all of the rest of >> you can see that in all of the rest of >> you can see that in all of the rest of his letters for sure, but to be able to his letters for sure, but to be able to his letters for sure, but to be able to specifically point it out in this case specifically point it out in this case specifically point it out in this case to Phileiman talking about and just to Phileiman talking about and just to Phileiman talking about and just saying, hey, like we are talking about a saying, hey, like we are talking about a saying, hey, like we are talking about a beloved brother, right? That's what he beloved brother, right? That's what he beloved brother, right? That's what he says in verse 16. And so it's saying says in verse 16. And so it's saying says in verse 16. And so it's saying that this is that this is that this is >> we are called to see people differently. >> we are called to see people differently. >> we are called to see people differently. And that's the message of Jesus is to And that's the message of Jesus is to And that's the message of Jesus is to say it is. And so I love how say it is. And so I love how say it is. And so I love how >> I love how beautiful and pointed it is. >> I love how beautiful and pointed it is. >> I love how beautiful and pointed it is. I feel like if this was a part of a I feel like if this was a part of a I feel like if this was a part of a longer letter or if the letter itself longer letter or if the letter itself longer letter or if the letter itself was long with all the rest of this was long with all the rest of this was long with all the rest of this stuff, stuff, stuff, >> it would lose the pointedness. And so I >> it would lose the pointedness. And so I >> it would lose the pointedness. And so I I'm so I'm so I'm so grateful that it's I'm so I'm so I'm so grateful that it's I'm so I'm so I'm so grateful that it's presented in this way of just saying presented in this way of just saying presented in this way of just saying this matters and it is at the heart of this matters and it is at the heart of this matters and it is at the heart of everything. everything. everything. >> Yes, I I'm with you on that. I would say >> Yes, I I'm with you on that. I would say >> Yes, I I'm with you on that. I would say historically um Greco well I won't say historically um Greco well I won't say historically um Greco well I won't say Greo Roman together but Roman letters or Greo Roman together but Roman letters or Greo Roman together but Roman letters or even some Greek letters um were about even some Greek letters um were about even some Greek letters um were about this size. This is more stereotypical this size. This is more stereotypical this size. This is more stereotypical for a personal letter. I mean, you look for a personal letter. I mean, you look for a personal letter. I mean, you look at Romans, it's huge and first at Romans, it's huge and first at Romans, it's huge and first Corinthians, those are hu that's those Corinthians, those are hu that's those Corinthians, those are hu that's those are big long writings by comparison, but are big long writings by comparison, but are big long writings by comparison, but I do like your point that that Paul is I do like your point that that Paul is I do like your point that that Paul is is really pretty pointed here. I also is really pretty pointed here. I also is really pretty pointed here. I also like the fact that he's in prison like the fact that he's in prison like the fact that he's in prison writing this. So it's really uh you know writing this. So it's really uh you know writing this. So it's really uh you know when you're in those difficult when you're in those difficult when you're in those difficult situations in life you can focus on the situations in life you can focus on the situations in life you can focus on the things you really want to get across you things you really want to get across you things you really want to get across you know and I think about Paul's Pauline know and I think about Paul's Pauline know and I think about Paul's Pauline letters how how uh they're just so uh

letters how how uh they're just so uh letters how how uh they're just so uh pointed in terms of you know the love pointed in terms of you know the love pointed in terms of you know the love for the Philippians and the unity he for the Philippians and the unity he for the Philippians and the unity he wants there and and these other kind of wants there and and these other kind of wants there and and these other kind of uh clear calls he wants to how the uh clear calls he wants to how the uh clear calls he wants to how the community should should behave itself community should should behave itself community should should behave itself and how it even should interact with its and how it even should interact with its and how it even should interact with its neighbors like you see in Colossians. I neighbors like you see in Colossians. I neighbors like you see in Colossians. I mean, those I I I like the fact that mean, those I I I like the fact that mean, those I I I like the fact that he's focused here on this dynamic, this he's focused here on this dynamic, this he's focused here on this dynamic, this relationship, and what it might mean for relationship, and what it might mean for relationship, and what it might mean for the rest. the rest. the rest. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, what does this book teach us about >> So, what does this book teach us about >> So, what does this book teach us about God? God? God? >> Yeah. Yeah. You said just a few minutes >> Yeah. Yeah. You said just a few minutes >> Yeah. Yeah. You said just a few minutes ago that about Jesus love. And I think ago that about Jesus love. And I think ago that about Jesus love. And I think that um that um that um uh that love that Jesus taught us and uh that love that Jesus taught us and uh that love that Jesus taught us and said wasn't most important, right? To said wasn't most important, right? To said wasn't most important, right? To love God and love our neighbors as love God and love our neighbors as love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. Words that we see all all the ourselves. Words that we see all all the ourselves. Words that we see all all the way back in the Old Testament, right, in way back in the Old Testament, right, in way back in the Old Testament, right, in Leviticus, love your neighbor as Leviticus, love your neighbor as Leviticus, love your neighbor as yourself. We start to see how God yourself. We start to see how God yourself. We start to see how God doesn't change with that kind of doesn't change with that kind of doesn't change with that kind of expectation that we ought to love our expectation that we ought to love our expectation that we ought to love our neighbors as ourselves. And even to help neighbors as ourselves. And even to help neighbors as ourselves. And even to help us see who our neighbor is. We see that us see who our neighbor is. We see that us see who our neighbor is. We see that in the parable of the good Samaritan for in the parable of the good Samaritan for in the parable of the good Samaritan for sure, but we see it here too. And that sure, but we see it here too. And that sure, but we see it here too. And that neighbor uh has to transcend these neighbor uh has to transcend these neighbor uh has to transcend these boundaries that society has erected. So boundaries that society has erected. So boundaries that society has erected. So it's showing us that God is consistent it's showing us that God is consistent it's showing us that God is consistent in God's call for us to love one another in God's call for us to love one another in God's call for us to love one another and to even love those who are in and to even love those who are in and to even love those who are in different place than we are in society.

different place than we are in society. different place than we are in society. It it it tells us also that God um loves It it it tells us also that God um loves It it it tells us also that God um loves so much this that it's like the uh so much this that it's like the uh so much this that it's like the uh parable that Jesus gave about the the uh parable that Jesus gave about the the uh parable that Jesus gave about the the uh shepherd who would leave the 99 go after shepherd who would leave the 99 go after shepherd who would leave the 99 go after the one right that here we have Paul the one right that here we have Paul the one right that here we have Paul focusing on this one individual Onesimus focusing on this one individual Onesimus focusing on this one individual Onesimus and um and not making grand statements and um and not making grand statements and um and not making grand statements about all of humanity but we can extend about all of humanity but we can extend about all of humanity but we can extend his comments to humanity when we see his comments to humanity when we see his comments to humanity when we see this interplay worked out. So it's this interplay worked out. So it's this interplay worked out. So it's showing us that God cares about people. showing us that God cares about people. showing us that God cares about people. God cares, that we love one another, and God cares, that we love one another, and God cares, that we love one another, and it's teaching us that God um is uh is is it's teaching us that God um is uh is is it's teaching us that God um is uh is is not uh blind to the realities of society not uh blind to the realities of society not uh blind to the realities of society and cause the church to be something and cause the church to be something and cause the church to be something different than the rest of society. I different than the rest of society. I different than the rest of society. I would say at least those things. would say at least those things. would say at least those things. >> Yeah, I 100% uh agree. It's it's really >> Yeah, I 100% uh agree. It's it's really >> Yeah, I 100% uh agree. It's it's really it's putting I I think if you take it it's putting I I think if you take it it's putting I I think if you take it in the context of you know God's grand in the context of you know God's grand in the context of you know God's grand love story right that he created people love story right that he created people love story right that he created people because he wanted a family to love and because he wanted a family to love and because he wanted a family to love and to love him to love him to love him >> and right and if you subscribe to the >> and right and if you subscribe to the >> and right and if you subscribe to the belief as I do that God has never made a belief as I do that God has never made a belief as I do that God has never made a person he doesn't love that he doesn't person he doesn't love that he doesn't person he doesn't love that he doesn't want to spend eternity with him want to spend eternity with him want to spend eternity with him >> and and dwelled together you know with >> and and dwelled together you know with >> and and dwelled together you know with him or her like um that it just like him or her like um that it just like him or her like um that it just like stands to point of just saying okay well

stands to point of just saying okay well stands to point of just saying okay well >> this is one case where there's a pretty >> this is one case where there's a pretty >> this is one case where there's a pretty clear like hey I I you know this is what clear like hey I I you know this is what clear like hey I I you know this is what this means this means this means >> and you can take this core message this >> and you can take this core message this >> and you can take this core message this core theme and extrapolate it into so core theme and extrapolate it into so core theme and extrapolate it into so many different areas of life in many different areas of life in many different areas of life in relational troubles in friendship relational troubles in friendship relational troubles in friendship troubles family troubles whatever it is troubles family troubles whatever it is troubles family troubles whatever it is >> um but what this letter teaches us about >> um but what this letter teaches us about >> um but what this letter teaches us about God and what he loves and what he wants God and what he loves and what he wants God and what he loves and what he wants is it rings true for Yes, regardless of is it rings true for Yes, regardless of is it rings true for Yes, regardless of the relational issue here. the relational issue here. the relational issue here. >> Oh, and I I am so with you on that. I I >> Oh, and I I am so with you on that. I I >> Oh, and I I am so with you on that. I I think sometimes when we talk theology, think sometimes when we talk theology, think sometimes when we talk theology, we we do cast it in those very lofty we we do cast it in those very lofty we we do cast it in those very lofty terms I was talking about earlier. You terms I was talking about earlier. You terms I was talking about earlier. You know, if we can get at justification, if know, if we can get at justification, if know, if we can get at justification, if we get at sanctification, we get we get at sanctification, we get we get at sanctification, we get atonement, get at some of those heavy atonement, get at some of those heavy atonement, get at some of those heavy words. And sometimes we forget how words. And sometimes we forget how words. And sometimes we forget how important the relational dynamics are important the relational dynamics are important the relational dynamics are when we start getting into these when we start getting into these when we start getting into these theoretical categories of you know what theoretical categories of you know what theoretical categories of you know what what happened on the cross that there's what happened on the cross that there's what happened on the cross that there's implications for all of that for how we implications for all of that for how we implications for all of that for how we are to live our lives. So for me it's are to live our lives. So for me it's are to live our lives. So for me it's telling us that God is relational right telling us that God is relational right telling us that God is relational right I mean it's not just propositional and I mean it's not just propositional and I mean it's not just propositional and says that you have to believe these says that you have to believe these says that you have to believe these things. You have to live a certain way.

things. You have to live a certain way. things. You have to live a certain way. So I I'm I'm uh in agreement with what So I I'm I'm uh in agreement with what So I I'm I'm uh in agreement with what you're saying there that this is about you're saying there that this is about you're saying there that this is about how we ought to live and that God is the how we ought to live and that God is the how we ought to live and that God is the one who who wants us to to um live a one who who wants us to to um live a one who who wants us to to um live a particular way. Yeah. particular way. Yeah. particular way. Yeah. >> So I I yeah I see that there. >> So I I yeah I see that there. >> So I I yeah I see that there. >> Let's get a bit more explicit on the >> Let's get a bit more explicit on the >> Let's get a bit more explicit on the flip side of the coin which is what does flip side of the coin which is what does flip side of the coin which is what does this book teach us about ourselves about this book teach us about ourselves about this book teach us about ourselves about about people? about people? about people? >> Yes. Yes. I think it forces us to ask a >> Yes. Yes. I think it forces us to ask a >> Yes. Yes. I think it forces us to ask a few questions. I mean we don't know the few questions. I mean we don't know the few questions. I mean we don't know the end of the story. We we might we think end of the story. We we might we think end of the story. We we might we think we know. We there's ideas about who we know. We there's ideas about who we know. We there's ideas about who Anessimus is and if he wound up being a Anessimus is and if he wound up being a Anessimus is and if he wound up being a bishop. Some people say um but we don't bishop. Some people say um but we don't bishop. Some people say um but we don't actually don't really know. And that's actually don't really know. And that's actually don't really know. And that's okay to not know. It forces us to ask okay to not know. It forces us to ask okay to not know. It forces us to ask some questions like to what extent are some questions like to what extent are some questions like to what extent are we willing to forgive. There's a there's we willing to forgive. There's a there's we willing to forgive. There's a there's a ball in Phileiman's court as it were a ball in Phileiman's court as it were a ball in Phileiman's court as it were to take these old metaphors here, but um to take these old metaphors here, but um to take these old metaphors here, but um that he's being asked, charged, uh that he's being asked, charged, uh that he's being asked, charged, uh invited, I mean, however we want to put invited, I mean, however we want to put invited, I mean, however we want to put that in in in our verbiage, I think, uh that in in in our verbiage, I think, uh that in in in our verbiage, I think, uh Paul is pretty heavy to say this is what Paul is pretty heavy to say this is what Paul is pretty heavy to say this is what you should do relationally. So he's got you should do relationally. So he's got you should do relationally. So he's got to Phileiman has to find in his heart a to Phileiman has to find in his heart a to Phileiman has to find in his heart a place to um accept that God's been at place to um accept that God's been at place to um accept that God's been at work in Onesimus and he needs to be able work in Onesimus and he needs to be able work in Onesimus and he needs to be able to forgive or at least to receive him in to forgive or at least to receive him in to forgive or at least to receive him in a certain way. So it's teaching us about a certain way. So it's teaching us about a certain way. So it's teaching us about ourselves. We're asked we need to ask ourselves. We're asked we need to ask ourselves. We're asked we need to ask ourselves some questions. Um to whom are ourselves some questions. Um to whom are ourselves some questions. Um to whom are we willing to be open, right? I mean um we willing to be open, right? I mean um we willing to be open, right? I mean um are we willing to forgive? Are we

are we willing to forgive? Are we are we willing to forgive? Are we willing to to receive people that we willing to to receive people that we willing to to receive people that we didn't think maybe were part of the didn't think maybe were part of the didn't think maybe were part of the community that we we thought um you know community that we we thought um you know community that we we thought um you know in other words we might have some biases in other words we might have some biases in other words we might have some biases and prejudices and think the way um and prejudices and think the way um and prejudices and think the way um ancient Romans thought about enslaved ancient Romans thought about enslaved ancient Romans thought about enslaved people and we might think oh they don't people and we might think oh they don't people and we might think oh they don't really fit in here. Um there so it's a really fit in here. Um there so it's a really fit in here. Um there so it's a question we need to ask and I think on question we need to ask and I think on question we need to ask and I think on the other side maybe it's an Onesimus the other side maybe it's an Onesimus the other side maybe it's an Onesimus kind of question is am I willing to kind of question is am I willing to kind of question is am I willing to extend trust? I mean a neessimist extend trust? I mean a neessimist extend trust? I mean a neessimist presumably is the one who takes this presumably is the one who takes this presumably is the one who takes this letter back and has to read it in front letter back and has to read it in front letter back and has to read it in front of the community and he has to be of the community and he has to be of the community and he has to be putting himself he's being asked to put putting himself he's being asked to put putting himself he's being asked to put himself in a vulnerable place to go back himself in a vulnerable place to go back himself in a vulnerable place to go back to Phileiman. So I think that's teaching to Phileiman. So I think that's teaching to Phileiman. So I think that's teaching us about ourselves at least to ask us about ourselves at least to ask us about ourselves at least to ask ourselves questions about who who we're ourselves questions about who who we're ourselves questions about who who we're willing to forgive willing to forgive willing to forgive >> and who we're willing to trust. >> and who we're willing to trust. >> and who we're willing to trust. >> Yeah. All of those are are >> Yeah. All of those are are >> Yeah. All of those are are >> things that we can understand and we can >> things that we can understand and we can >> things that we can understand and we can wrestle with because wrestle with because wrestle with because >> I think so >> I think so >> I think so >> we've been hurt. We've we've had issues >> we've been hurt. We've we've had issues >> we've been hurt. We've we've had issues of trust. We've had issues of of of trust. We've had issues of of of trust. We've had issues of of repentance and we've had issues of repentance and we've had issues of repentance and we've had issues of reconciliation of being like, you know, reconciliation of being like, you know, reconciliation of being like, you know, there's there's so many of these there's there's so many of these there's there's so many of these >> um issues that come up because they're >> um issues that come up because they're >> um issues that come up because they're so real because human relationships have so real because human relationships have so real because human relationships have looked pretty similar for thousands of looked pretty similar for thousands of looked pretty similar for thousands of years.

years. years. Amen. In lots of ways. That's right. Amen. In lots of ways. That's right. Amen. In lots of ways. That's right. Exactly right. Exactly right. Exactly right. >> And so like I I love that it points us >> And so like I I love that it points us >> And so like I I love that it points us back to the question of what is, you back to the question of what is, you back to the question of what is, you know, is there something that is even know, is there something that is even know, is there something that is even bigger than the issue that is between us bigger than the issue that is between us bigger than the issue that is between us right now. right now. right now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that really comes down to >> And that really comes down to >> And that really comes down to >> the love of Christ and what he has >> the love of Christ and what he has >> the love of Christ and what he has called us to relationally. And is in called us to relationally. And is in called us to relationally. And is in your mind is that bigger than the your mind is that bigger than the your mind is that bigger than the problem that is going on between you problem that is going on between you problem that is going on between you guys? Now, it doesn't necessarily mean guys? Now, it doesn't necessarily mean guys? Now, it doesn't necessarily mean that that the same level of trust that that that the same level of trust that that that the same level of trust that you had before comes back into play. Of you had before comes back into play. Of you had before comes back into play. Of course, like, you know, there's there's course, like, you know, there's there's course, like, you know, there's there's all sorts of caveats, but what what what all sorts of caveats, but what what what all sorts of caveats, but what what what God is calling us to is love for God is calling us to is love for God is calling us to is love for neighbor as love for self. So, you know, neighbor as love for self. So, you know, neighbor as love for self. So, you know, and really questioning and really questioning and really questioning that encouragement of that self audit of that encouragement of that self audit of that encouragement of that self audit of am I loving people the way that God am I loving people the way that God am I loving people the way that God wants me to? Am I am I being admonished wants me to? Am I am I being admonished wants me to? Am I am I being admonished and exhorted by Paul the you know the and exhorted by Paul the you know the and exhorted by Paul the you know the way that Phile was in this case?

way that Phile was in this case? way that Phile was in this case? >> I that's very fair. I'm with you on >> I that's very fair. I'm with you on >> I that's very fair. I'm with you on that. I I like the way the letter ends that. I I like the way the letter ends that. I I like the way the letter ends with uh you know just the basic with uh you know just the basic with uh you know just the basic benediction but he says the grace of our benediction but he says the grace of our benediction but he says the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your with your Lord Jesus Christ be with your with your Lord Jesus Christ be with your with your spirit. That this it's ultimately going spirit. That this it's ultimately going spirit. That this it's ultimately going to be a question of God's grace. And I to be a question of God's grace. And I to be a question of God's grace. And I think that that's that's um it's coming think that that's that's um it's coming think that that's that's um it's coming through in what you were just talking through in what you were just talking through in what you were just talking about is that there's grace that about is that there's grace that about is that there's grace that Phileiman has to understand and Phileiman has to understand and Phileiman has to understand and exercise. There's grace that Onesimus exercise. There's grace that Onesimus exercise. There's grace that Onesimus needs to understand and receive. needs to understand and receive. needs to understand and receive. >> And um and I think uh for true >> And um and I think uh for true >> And um and I think uh for true reconciliation to take place, we have to reconciliation to take place, we have to reconciliation to take place, we have to understand as best we can God's grace. understand as best we can God's grace. understand as best we can God's grace. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Grace has been one of my favorite words >> Grace has been one of my favorite words >> Grace has been one of my favorite words as of late. And so I I I love I love as of late. And so I I I love I love as of late. And so I I I love I love getting to emphasize that again here. I getting to emphasize that again here. I getting to emphasize that again here. I I wanted to I I I as I was reading back I wanted to I I I as I was reading back I wanted to I I I as I was reading back through the letter, through the letter, through the letter, >> I wanted to >> I wanted to >> I wanted to flip it a different angle and look at it flip it a different angle and look at it flip it a different angle and look at it from how Paul from how Paul from how Paul >> is engaging in this, >> is engaging in this, >> is engaging in this, >> how Paul chooses >> how Paul chooses >> how Paul chooses >> to write because it's pretty it's >> to write because it's pretty it's >> to write because it's pretty it's actually like it actually is kind of actually like it actually is kind of actually like it actually is kind of funny the way that Paul does it, but it funny the way that Paul does it, but it funny the way that Paul does it, but it speaks to a truth, right? I am boldly speaks to a truth, right? I am boldly speaks to a truth, right? I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it asking a favor of you. I could demand it asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the in the name of Christ because it is the in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because right thing for you to do. But because right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you of our love, I prefer simply to ask you of our love, I prefer simply to ask you consider this as a request for me.

consider this as a request for me. consider this as a request for me. Right? So it's Paul's saying, hey, this Right? So it's Paul's saying, hey, this Right? So it's Paul's saying, hey, this is the right thing to do. I could is the right thing to do. I could is the right thing to do. I could command it of you because this is, you command it of you because this is, you command it of you because this is, you know, because of my role a you know know, because of my role a you know know, because of my role a you know these things, but I'm just going to, you these things, but I'm just going to, you these things, but I'm just going to, you know, out of love because I love you and know, out of love because I love you and know, out of love because I love you and because I know you love me and we're a because I know you love me and we're a because I know you love me and we're a loving relationship. Yes. loving relationship. Yes. loving relationship. Yes. >> I'm going to push this out. So, I I I >> I'm going to push this out. So, I I I >> I'm going to push this out. So, I I I think there is something uh worth paying think there is something uh worth paying think there is something uh worth paying attention to in how Paul makes this attention to in how Paul makes this attention to in how Paul makes this request. What can you say about that? request. What can you say about that? request. What can you say about that? >> Oh, no question. There's been some >> Oh, no question. There's been some >> Oh, no question. There's been some scholarly articles and uh written on scholarly articles and uh written on scholarly articles and uh written on just the rhetoric in here of how Paul um just the rhetoric in here of how Paul um just the rhetoric in here of how Paul um uh interacts with Phileiman. uh interacts with Phileiman. uh interacts with Phileiman. you know, it could be as far as flattery you know, it could be as far as flattery you know, it could be as far as flattery um kind of these subtle um kind of these subtle um kind of these subtle uh or maybe not so subtle um appeals to uh or maybe not so subtle um appeals to uh or maybe not so subtle um appeals to his authority that he has in Phileiman's his authority that he has in Phileiman's his authority that he has in Phileiman's life. I mean, early on in verse 7, he life. I mean, early on in verse 7, he life. I mean, early on in verse 7, he talks about having received joy and talks about having received joy and talks about having received joy and encouragement from Phileiman's love. Um encouragement from Phileiman's love. Um encouragement from Phileiman's love. Um Phileiman has refreshed the saints. you Phileiman has refreshed the saints. you Phileiman has refreshed the saints. you know there's he there's um commendation know there's he there's um commendation know there's he there's um commendation you know he gives to Phileiman that I you know he gives to Phileiman that I you know he gives to Phileiman that I wouldn't say it's insincere flattery but wouldn't say it's insincere flattery but wouldn't say it's insincere flattery but he does lead with oh these are the good he does lead with oh these are the good he does lead with oh these are the good things you know and um things you know and um things you know and um >> but then he does say just what you said >> but then he does say just what you said >> but then he does say just what you said I could I could command you um but I'm I could I could command you um but I'm I could I could command you um but I'm going to appeal to you out of love uh so going to appeal to you out of love uh so going to appeal to you out of love uh so I think we're also catching in there I think we're also catching in there I think we're also catching in there some sense of apostolic authority some sense of apostolic authority some sense of apostolic authority whatever that meant Phileiman or Paul whatever that meant Phileiman or Paul whatever that meant Phileiman or Paul let's put it this way we've seen it in let's put it this way we've seen it in let's put it this way we've seen it in other places where Paul seems I have an

other places where Paul seems I have an other places where Paul seems I have an apostolic authority where he could apostolic authority where he could apostolic authority where he could >> ask people to do something and expect >> ask people to do something and expect >> ask people to do something and expect them to do it. them to do it. them to do it. >> And he says here, I could, you know, >> And he says here, I could, you know, >> And he says here, I could, you know, require this, but I'm asking you. And require this, but I'm asking you. And require this, but I'm asking you. And then, but then the funny part is that he then, but then the funny part is that he then, but then the funny part is that he says later, you know, prep a room for me says later, you know, prep a room for me says later, you know, prep a room for me because I plan when I get out of prison because I plan when I get out of prison because I plan when I get out of prison to come back over there and see you, to come back over there and see you, to come back over there and see you, which is a subtle way of saying and I'm which is a subtle way of saying and I'm which is a subtle way of saying and I'm going to check up and see if you're going to check up and see if you're going to check up and see if you're going to do do the thing I'm asking you going to do do the thing I'm asking you going to do do the thing I'm asking you to do. So, I that's the part I think is to do. So, I that's the part I think is to do. So, I that's the part I think is funny because we get to verse 22. He funny because we get to verse 22. He funny because we get to verse 22. He goes, "Well, okay. And another thing, goes, "Well, okay. And another thing, goes, "Well, okay. And another thing, prepare a guest room for me. I'm hoping prepare a guest room for me. I'm hoping prepare a guest room for me. I'm hoping uh through your prayers to be restored uh through your prayers to be restored uh through your prayers to be restored to you. So, I'm planning to come by, you to you. So, I'm planning to come by, you to you. So, I'm planning to come by, you know, and then that way I can check." know, and then that way I can check." know, and then that way I can check." And he says, "I know you're going to do And he says, "I know you're going to do And he says, "I know you're going to do what I ask you to do. You're going to what I ask you to do. You're going to what I ask you to do. You're going to even do more than I asked you to do." So even do more than I asked you to do." So even do more than I asked you to do." So there's those kind of interesting there's those kind of interesting there's those kind of interesting dynamics that we're seeing Paul with dynamics that we're seeing Paul with dynamics that we're seeing Paul with Phileiman that he they clearly have a a Phileiman that he they clearly have a a Phileiman that he they clearly have a a good relationship but Paul also um good relationship but Paul also um good relationship but Paul also um u refrains from being overtly uh u refrains from being overtly uh u refrains from being overtly uh demanding but reminds Phileiman that demanding but reminds Phileiman that demanding but reminds Phileiman that there is a relationship here that he there is a relationship here that he there is a relationship here that he should be paying attention to what Paul should be paying attention to what Paul should be paying attention to what Paul says. Yeah.

says. Yeah. says. Yeah. >> Yeah. Paul is very very clear about his >> Yeah. Paul is very very clear about his >> Yeah. Paul is very very clear about his expectations of what's going to happen. expectations of what's going to happen. expectations of what's going to happen. >> Yes. Exactly. very very clear very clear >> Yes. Exactly. very very clear very clear >> Yes. Exactly. very very clear very clear in expectations even though it comes off in expectations even though it comes off in expectations even though it comes off kind of clever in that he doesn't uh kind of clever in that he doesn't uh kind of clever in that he doesn't uh overtly just demand something but it's overtly just demand something but it's overtly just demand something but it's his expectations are clear like you said his expectations are clear like you said his expectations are clear like you said I think that's good I think that's good I think that's good >> I think there's something too like about >> I think there's something too like about >> I think there's something too like about being commanded to love being commanded to love being commanded to love >> somebody kind of goes against the the >> somebody kind of goes against the the >> somebody kind of goes against the the whole heart of love right where um you whole heart of love right where um you whole heart of love right where um you it's big It's now there's the choices it's big It's now there's the choices it's big It's now there's the choices that are made for sure that we we can that are made for sure that we we can that are made for sure that we we can make our choice and in this case make our choice and in this case make our choice and in this case Phileiman can make the choice of Phileiman can make the choice of Phileiman can make the choice of bringing Onisimus back and you know and bringing Onisimus back and you know and bringing Onisimus back and you know and re-engaging re-engaging re-engaging >> but I but I appreciate is is Paul not >> but I but I appreciate is is Paul not >> but I but I appreciate is is Paul not saying I command you to do this I saying I command you to do this I saying I command you to do this I command you to love this person instead command you to love this person instead command you to love this person instead it's like hey this is what we are called it's like hey this is what we are called it's like hey this is what we are called to do to do to do >> this is how we are yeah >> this is how we are yeah >> this is how we are yeah >> I hear you I I would say though that Um >> I hear you I I would say though that Um >> I hear you I I would say though that Um it's it wouldn't be inappropriate to it's it wouldn't be inappropriate to it's it wouldn't be inappropriate to command a love. I think that's all over command a love. I think that's all over command a love. I think that's all over first John. You know, this is the first John. You know, this is the first John. You know, this is the commandment that we've gotten that you commandment that we've gotten that you commandment that we've gotten that you love one another. You got to love your love one another. You got to love your love one another. You got to love your brothers and sisters. So I don't think brothers and sisters. So I don't think brothers and sisters. So I don't think that would be inappropriate. It's just that would be inappropriate. It's just that would be inappropriate. It's just to me it's clever that he doesn't do to me it's clever that he doesn't do to me it's clever that he doesn't do that in a way. And you know, and when that in a way. And you know, and when that in a way. And you know, and when you think about it, if if things are you think about it, if if things are you think about it, if if things are like how we might imagine, Phileiman has like how we might imagine, Phileiman has like how we might imagine, Phileiman has this authority over Onesimus as an this authority over Onesimus as an this authority over Onesimus as an enslaved person, he certainly could

enslaved person, he certainly could enslaved person, he certainly could command Onesimus to do things, right? command Onesimus to do things, right? command Onesimus to do things, right? And he has to do them. And he has to do them. And he has to do them. >> Paul does not do that with Phileiman, >> Paul does not do that with Phileiman, >> Paul does not do that with Phileiman, you know, and there's there's this sense you know, and there's there's this sense you know, and there's there's this sense of, you know, I have a certain authority of, you know, I have a certain authority of, you know, I have a certain authority in your life, but I'm not going to do in your life, but I'm not going to do in your life, but I'm not going to do that. I'm not playing that card with that. I'm not playing that card with that. I'm not playing that card with you. I'm going to I'm going to invite you. I'm going to I'm going to invite you. I'm going to I'm going to invite you to do this, but you can see it's you to do this, but you can see it's you to do this, but you can see it's really important to me. It's important really important to me. It's important really important to me. It's important to to to what how we think of the work to to to what how we think of the work to to to what how we think of the work of God and and work of the spirit in our of God and and work of the spirit in our of God and and work of the spirit in our lives. So there's a a funny way of using lives. So there's a a funny way of using lives. So there's a a funny way of using his authority that doesn't mirror the his authority that doesn't mirror the his authority that doesn't mirror the way Phyan could have exercised his way Phyan could have exercised his way Phyan could have exercised his authority. authority. authority. >> Yeah. 100% agree. And I I just Yeah. I >> Yeah. 100% agree. And I I just Yeah. I >> Yeah. 100% agree. And I I just Yeah. I think it's it's telling that he appeals think it's it's telling that he appeals think it's it's telling that he appeals to to to >> to how Christ has taught us. He appeals >> to how Christ has taught us. He appeals >> to how Christ has taught us. He appeals to relational, you know, to say like to relational, you know, to say like to relational, you know, to say like this is what this is based on. It's this is what this is based on. It's this is what this is based on. It's based on the fact that, you know, that based on the fact that, you know, that based on the fact that, you know, that >> Christ died for you, that you are loved, >> Christ died for you, that you are loved, >> Christ died for you, that you are loved, and we are called to love one another. and we are called to love one another. and we are called to love one another. So bring him back. So So seek that So bring him back. So So seek that So bring him back. So So seek that reconciliation. Let's fix this thing. reconciliation. Let's fix this thing. reconciliation. Let's fix this thing. >> That's right. That's right. Let's fix >> That's right. That's right. Let's fix >> That's right. That's right. Let's fix it.

it. it. >> I love that. Um, so usually I ask for a >> I love that. Um, so usually I ask for a >> I love that. Um, so usually I ask for a couple of verses or passages or chapters couple of verses or passages or chapters couple of verses or passages or chapters that are worth specifically worth that are worth specifically worth that are worth specifically worth pointing out. Well, we got 25 verses for pointing out. Well, we got 25 verses for pointing out. Well, we got 25 verses for you to choose from today, Dennis. So, you to choose from today, Dennis. So, you to choose from today, Dennis. So, so, so what are a couple of verses that so, so what are a couple of verses that so, so what are a couple of verses that you may want to point specifically to? you may want to point specifically to? you may want to point specifically to? >> Well, you referenced them earlier. The >> Well, you referenced them earlier. The >> Well, you referenced them earlier. The heart of this uh letter tends to be seen heart of this uh letter tends to be seen heart of this uh letter tends to be seen around verses 15- 17 and mostly 16, of around verses 15- 17 and mostly 16, of around verses 15- 17 and mostly 16, of course. Uh, but I I I'll read it real course. Uh, but I I I'll read it real course. Uh, but I I I'll read it real quickly. Perhaps this is the reason he quickly. Perhaps this is the reason he quickly. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so was separated from you for a while, so was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the that you might have him back for the that you might have him back for the long term. Here's 16. No longer as a long term. Here's 16. No longer as a long term. Here's 16. No longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved slave, but more than a slave, a beloved slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me. But how much brother, especially to me. But how much brother, especially to me. But how much more to you both in the flesh and in the more to you both in the flesh and in the more to you both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner Lord. So if you consider me your partner Lord. So if you consider me your partner and this that's related to the word and this that's related to the word and this that's related to the word coin. coin. coin. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh welcome him as you would welcome me. >> Uh welcome him as you would welcome me. >> Uh welcome him as you would welcome me. So that dynamic there. This is getting So that dynamic there. This is getting So that dynamic there. This is getting at this Paul phileiman onesimus triangle at this Paul phileiman onesimus triangle at this Paul phileiman onesimus triangle there really perfectly. It's like Paul there really perfectly. It's like Paul there really perfectly. It's like Paul says look we're partners. We've shared says look we're partners. We've shared says look we're partners. We've shared in this you would welcome me. And Paul in this you would welcome me. And Paul in this you would welcome me. And Paul is extending his good um relationship is extending his good um relationship is extending his good um relationship with Phileiman. He's extended that to with Phileiman. He's extended that to with Phileiman. He's extended that to Arnesimus and said just like you would Arnesimus and said just like you would Arnesimus and said just like you would receive me, you should receive him. And receive me, you should receive him. And receive me, you should receive him. And then of course the key thing would be then of course the key thing would be then of course the key thing would be you receive him but not as an enslaved you receive him but not as an enslaved you receive him but not as an enslaved person anymore but as a brother and person anymore but as a brother and person anymore but as a brother and that's the part that that's the part that that's the part that >> I mean scholars debate what does he mean >> I mean scholars debate what does he mean >> I mean scholars debate what does he mean by that? How does that going to change by that? How does that going to change by that? How does that going to change the dynamics in the community? How does the dynamics in the community? How does the dynamics in the community? How does that change the dynamics in Filina's

that change the dynamics in Filina's that change the dynamics in Filina's household? We don't know. Does it mean household? We don't know. Does it mean household? We don't know. Does it mean manumission? Does it mean he frees him manumission? Does it mean he frees him manumission? Does it mean he frees him as a slave? And there's so there's a lot as a slave? And there's so there's a lot as a slave? And there's so there's a lot of ink uh spilled on that because we of ink uh spilled on that because we of ink uh spilled on that because we don't really know the answer but we can don't really know the answer but we can don't really know the answer but we can imagine we could guess for some people imagine we could guess for some people imagine we could guess for some people it's not important that it be manu it's not important that it be manu it's not important that it be manu mission. It'd be important that even if mission. It'd be important that even if mission. It'd be important that even if he has that role in society, he has that role in society, he has that role in society, >> in the church, he's not going to you >> in the church, he's not going to you >> in the church, he's not going to you won't be able to tell. You know, this won't be able to tell. You know, this won't be able to tell. You know, this that the dynamics are different. U that the dynamics are different. U that the dynamics are different. U others it says no, it's got to be others it says no, it's got to be others it says no, it's got to be setting us up for how Paul would see uh setting us up for how Paul would see uh setting us up for how Paul would see uh the injustice of slavery. So, we've got the injustice of slavery. So, we've got the injustice of slavery. So, we've got to see him be free. We we might not get to see him be free. We we might not get to see him be free. We we might not get an answer to that easily, but the key is an answer to that easily, but the key is an answer to that easily, but the key is that in this relationship, in this that in this relationship, in this that in this relationship, in this church, in this household, um there's no church, in this household, um there's no church, in this household, um there's no longer this power dynamic that used to longer this power dynamic that used to longer this power dynamic that used to exist that he's not your slave, he's exist that he's not your slave, he's exist that he's not your slave, he's your brother. I mean, that is that's your brother. I mean, that is that's your brother. I mean, that is that's remarkable really when you think about remarkable really when you think about remarkable really when you think about the way a stratified society operated. the way a stratified society operated. the way a stratified society operated. So, I think those are the key verses So, I think those are the key verses So, I think those are the key verses right in there. 15 to 17. At least they right in there. 15 to 17. At least they right in there. 15 to 17. At least they get most of the discussion. I would say get most of the discussion. I would say get most of the discussion. I would say >> now we forgot to mention when we were >> now we forgot to mention when we were >> now we forgot to mention when we were talking about Paul's admonition that he talking about Paul's admonition that he talking about Paul's admonition that he because as I was going back through I because as I was going back through I because as I was going back through I reread it and saying I won't mention reread it and saying I won't mention reread it and saying I won't mention that you owe me your very soul.

that you owe me your very soul. that you owe me your very soul. So, is that something that pastors So, is that something that pastors So, is that something that pastors should be doing here, Dennis, of saying, should be doing here, Dennis, of saying, should be doing here, Dennis, of saying, "Hey, "Hey, "Hey, >> well, you know, I I I don't think it's >> well, you know, I I I don't think it's >> well, you know, I I I don't think it's inappropriate to remind people of the um inappropriate to remind people of the um inappropriate to remind people of the um of some of the labor of love that we of some of the labor of love that we of some of the labor of love that we undertake." Yeah. undertake." Yeah. undertake." Yeah. >> But um but that one is a strong one. I >> But um but that one is a strong one. I >> But um but that one is a strong one. I don't I don't and I can't say fully I don't I don't and I can't say fully I don't I don't and I can't say fully I know what that means. that there's more know what that means. that there's more know what that means. that there's more to it than what we might think. Maybe to it than what we might think. Maybe to it than what we might think. Maybe there's a maybe there's a history there there's a maybe there's a history there there's a maybe there's a history there that we just don't know. But whatever it that we just don't know. But whatever it that we just don't know. But whatever it is, I think Paul, it's that important is, I think Paul, it's that important is, I think Paul, it's that important that Onesimus get back there that Paul that Onesimus get back there that Paul that Onesimus get back there that Paul will remind Phileiman of their special will remind Phileiman of their special will remind Phileiman of their special uh bond. uh bond. uh bond. >> Yeah. I just love the way that Paul is >> Yeah. I just love the way that Paul is >> Yeah. I just love the way that Paul is just he's just throwing it out there. just he's just throwing it out there. just he's just throwing it out there. I'm not demeaning, but I'm making I'm not demeaning, but I'm making I'm not demeaning, but I'm making >> Yeah, exactly. Oh, yeah. And it is funny >> Yeah, exactly. Oh, yeah. And it is funny >> Yeah, exactly. Oh, yeah. And it is funny to me, too. to me, too. to me, too. >> It's hilarious. Okay. Are there um are >> It's hilarious. Okay. Are there um are >> It's hilarious. Okay. Are there um are there what I call sticky parts in this there what I call sticky parts in this there what I call sticky parts in this book? Parts that for a new reader are book? Parts that for a new reader are book? Parts that for a new reader are worth knowing because they can be worth knowing because they can be worth knowing because they can be difficult, particularly confusing, difficult, particularly confusing, difficult, particularly confusing, something that is worth saying, "Hey, something that is worth saying, "Hey, something that is worth saying, "Hey, you're going to read this. You should you're going to read this. You should you're going to read this. You should know about this."

know about this." know about this." >> Yeah, I think um well, one the one place >> Yeah, I think um well, one the one place >> Yeah, I think um well, one the one place that that that uh seems to be a little confusing is uh seems to be a little confusing is uh seems to be a little confusing is verse six. verse six. verse six. >> He says, "I pray I mean this is the >> He says, "I pray I mean this is the >> He says, "I pray I mean this is the translation I have in front of me. He translation I have in front of me. He translation I have in front of me. He says, "I pray that the partnership of says, "I pray that the partnership of says, "I pray that the partnership of your faith," there's coinia again, "the your faith," there's coinia again, "the your faith," there's coinia again, "the partnership of your faith may become partnership of your faith may become partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good effective as you comprehend all the good effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ." And that is a that we share in Christ." And that is a that we share in Christ." And that is a um I mean that's one translation, but um I mean that's one translation, but um I mean that's one translation, but this this notion of the partnership of this this notion of the partnership of this this notion of the partnership of your faith, we don't actually know what your faith, we don't actually know what your faith, we don't actually know what that means. I mean, what is the the the that means. I mean, what is the the the that means. I mean, what is the the the sharing of your faith? Now, when we say sharing of your faith? Now, when we say sharing of your faith? Now, when we say that in evangelical circles, sharing of that in evangelical circles, sharing of that in evangelical circles, sharing of your faith, we mean evangelism. But this your faith, we mean evangelism. But this your faith, we mean evangelism. But this notion of partnership I think is a notion of partnership I think is a notion of partnership I think is a better translation than sharing. But better translation than sharing. But better translation than sharing. But there's something there. And he says there's something there. And he says there's something there. And he says that it may become effective. Does this that it may become effective. Does this that it may become effective. Does this suggest that it had not been effective? suggest that it had not been effective? suggest that it had not been effective? And there's a lot of theory out there of And there's a lot of theory out there of And there's a lot of theory out there of why um of what the dynamic was before why um of what the dynamic was before why um of what the dynamic was before Onesimus became a Christian? Like why Onesimus became a Christian? Like why Onesimus became a Christian? Like why does he become a Christian with Paul? does he become a Christian with Paul? does he become a Christian with Paul? Why wasn't he not converted when he was Why wasn't he not converted when he was Why wasn't he not converted when he was in Phileiman's household? Was there in Phileiman's household? Was there in Phileiman's household? Was there something about the partnership of the something about the partnership of the something about the partnership of the faith not being effective that didn't faith not being effective that didn't faith not being effective that didn't have um an impact or a positive impact have um an impact or a positive impact have um an impact or a positive impact on on onesimus on on onesimus on on onesimus before? So that's one of those things.

before? So that's one of those things. before? So that's one of those things. It's a it's not a it's not that the It's a it's not a it's not that the It's a it's not a it's not that the words are difficult. It's the concepts words are difficult. It's the concepts words are difficult. It's the concepts that are embedded in that in that verse. that are embedded in that in that verse. that are embedded in that in that verse. The other part that's overarching The other part that's overarching The other part that's overarching that is hard to catch in the wording, that is hard to catch in the wording, that is hard to catch in the wording, it's the backstory. We've we've often it's the backstory. We've we've often it's the backstory. We've we've often spent a lot of time trying to figure out spent a lot of time trying to figure out spent a lot of time trying to figure out well how in the world did Onesimus end well how in the world did Onesimus end well how in the world did Onesimus end up with Paul. So there's a bunch of up with Paul. So there's a bunch of up with Paul. So there's a bunch of theories on that but the prevailing theories on that but the prevailing theories on that but the prevailing theory was he ran away. And it was often theory was he ran away. And it was often theory was he ran away. And it was often a the impression that people had a the impression that people had a the impression that people had especially I would say um European especially I would say um European especially I would say um European scholars who in their minds that's the scholars who in their minds that's the scholars who in their minds that's the only way they could imagine a slave that only way they could imagine a slave that only way they could imagine a slave that the slave person had to be rebellious. the slave person had to be rebellious. the slave person had to be rebellious. had stole from the master and they and had stole from the master and they and had stole from the master and they and they ran and then he had to have met they ran and then he had to have met they ran and then he had to have met Paul sort of by accident. he just you Paul sort of by accident. he just you Paul sort of by accident. he just you know somehow met Paul in this this Roman know somehow met Paul in this this Roman know somehow met Paul in this this Roman prison either prison in Rome itself or prison either prison in Rome itself or prison either prison in Rome itself or Roman in the sense of empire prison Roman in the sense of empire prison Roman in the sense of empire prison somewhere and you know but the point is somewhere and you know but the point is somewhere and you know but the point is that's only one theory and it's a theory that's only one theory and it's a theory that's only one theory and it's a theory that's that was around for a long time that's that was around for a long time that's that was around for a long time particularly since John Christom but particularly since John Christom but particularly since John Christom but there's others who say well you know there's others who say well you know there's others who say well you know what maybe he left on purpose there's what maybe he left on purpose there's what maybe he left on purpose there's another theory that he that there's another theory that he that there's another theory that he that there's something that was called the friend of something that was called the friend of something that was called the friend of the master the amicus dominy that if you the master the amicus dominy that if you the master the amicus dominy that if you could appeal to the friend of the master could appeal to the friend of the master could appeal to the friend of the master so that would say that um Onesimus so that would say that um Onesimus so that would say that um Onesimus wasn't treated well and he wanted an wasn't treated well and he wanted an wasn't treated well and he wanted an advocate. So he went to Paul on purpose advocate. So he went to Paul on purpose advocate. So he went to Paul on purpose knowing that he was a friend of of his knowing that he was a friend of of his knowing that he was a friend of of his master so he could make an appeal to master so he could make an appeal to master so he could make an appeal to him. That thinking was starting to gain him. That thinking was starting to gain him. That thinking was starting to gain some traction. You know, a few years

some traction. You know, a few years some traction. You know, a few years ago, one of my uh professors, the I'm ago, one of my uh professors, the I'm ago, one of my uh professors, the I'm going to drop his name because he was a going to drop his name because he was a going to drop his name because he was a giant in New Testament, uh the late Jo giant in New Testament, uh the late Jo giant in New Testament, uh the late Jo Joseph Fitzmire, he also has a Joseph Fitzmire, he also has a Joseph Fitzmire, he also has a standalone commentary on Phan and that standalone commentary on Phan and that standalone commentary on Phan and that was the path he chose was that Amicus was the path he chose was that Amicus was the path he chose was that Amicus domin domin domin >> but there's also just a very simple >> but there's also just a very simple >> but there's also just a very simple notion that Phileiman could have could notion that Phileiman could have could notion that Phileiman could have could have sent Onesimus. He knows that his have sent Onesimus. He knows that his have sent Onesimus. He knows that his mentor Paul is in prison. So he sends mentor Paul is in prison. So he sends mentor Paul is in prison. So he sends his slave there to go and uh take care his slave there to go and uh take care his slave there to go and uh take care of Paul or minister to him in prison of Paul or minister to him in prison of Paul or minister to him in prison which could have been you know seen as a which could have been you know seen as a which could have been you know seen as a magnanimous thing but Paul then leads on magnanimous thing but Paul then leads on magnanimous thing but Paul then leads on the faith. So I would say the sticky the faith. So I would say the sticky the faith. So I would say the sticky things in there are verse six what is things in there are verse six what is things in there are verse six what is the effectiveness of the partnership of the effectiveness of the partnership of the effectiveness of the partnership of your faith and then also how did your faith and then also how did your faith and then also how did Onesimus and Paul meet? Yeah. Onesimus and Paul meet? Yeah. Onesimus and Paul meet? Yeah. >> Which is not, you know, it's not like >> Which is not, you know, it's not like >> Which is not, you know, it's not like changing the outcome of the letter, but changing the outcome of the letter, but changing the outcome of the letter, but it does maybe flavor how we how we it does maybe flavor how we how we it does maybe flavor how we how we approach the letter. approach the letter. approach the letter. >> Yeah. I think especially for newer >> Yeah. I think especially for newer >> Yeah. I think especially for newer Christians, newer believers, they're Christians, newer believers, they're Christians, newer believers, they're reading through, they get to Phileim. I reading through, they get to Phileim. I reading through, they get to Phileim. I think there a lot of times there is an think there a lot of times there is an think there a lot of times there is an overarching question about what was Paul overarching question about what was Paul overarching question about what was Paul saying about slavery? And that's a saying about slavery? And that's a saying about slavery? And that's a question that cuz there's the other question that cuz there's the other question that cuz there's the other passage um where he talks about slaves passage um where he talks about slaves passage um where he talks about slaves obey your master, you know, and obey your master, you know, and obey your master, you know, and >> Oh, for sure.

>> Oh, for sure. >> Oh, for sure. >> In Colossians. >> In Colossians. >> In Colossians. >> Yeah. In Colossians. So, I think I think >> Yeah. In Colossians. So, I think I think >> Yeah. In Colossians. So, I think I think that is something just to be aware of that is something just to be aware of that is something just to be aware of that slavery was a that slavery was a that slavery was a >> a real practice that was had that had to >> a real practice that was had that had to >> a real practice that was had that had to be talked about. It doesn't mean that it be talked about. It doesn't mean that it be talked about. It doesn't mean that it was encouraged. That's not what Paul was was encouraged. That's not what Paul was was encouraged. That's not what Paul was doing. Instead, what he's saying, this doing. Instead, what he's saying, this doing. Instead, what he's saying, this is something that's going on. So in is something that's going on. So in is something that's going on. So in whatever position you find yourself, whatever position you find yourself, whatever position you find yourself, >> act Christianly, act like Christ. >> act Christianly, act like Christ. >> act Christianly, act like Christ. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's that's the way >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's that's the way >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's that's the way many have interpreted his that passage many have interpreted his that passage many have interpreted his that passage in uh 1 Corinthians chapter 7. He says in uh 1 Corinthians chapter 7. He says in uh 1 Corinthians chapter 7. He says like whatever position you find like whatever position you find like whatever position you find yourself. Now in Colossians, he does say yourself. Now in Colossians, he does say yourself. Now in Colossians, he does say slaves obey your masters. And he also slaves obey your masters. And he also slaves obey your masters. And he also tells the masters to to treat the tells the masters to to treat the tells the masters to to treat the enslaved he says with equity. He uses uh enslaved he says with equity. He uses uh enslaved he says with equity. He uses uh that language. Now, obviously, he that language. Now, obviously, he that language. Now, obviously, he doesn't go as far as we'd like to say doesn't go as far as we'd like to say doesn't go as far as we'd like to say and dis and dismantle this thing. This and dis and dismantle this thing. This and dis and dismantle this thing. This is horrible. Um, this is the closest is horrible. Um, this is the closest is horrible. Um, this is the closest he's come, which is why some people um I he's come, which is why some people um I he's come, which is why some people um I think have been given more attention to think have been given more attention to think have been given more attention to this because if Phileiman does what Paul this because if Phileiman does what Paul this because if Phileiman does what Paul says, then that does have implications says, then that does have implications says, then that does have implications for other Christian communities and for for other Christian communities and for for other Christian communities and for the rest of the the church in Colasse.

the rest of the the church in Colasse. the rest of the the church in Colasse. So even even if we've got the slaves So even even if we've got the slaves So even even if we've got the slaves obey your masters language in Colossians obey your masters language in Colossians obey your masters language in Colossians which which I you know there's a lot of which which I you know there's a lot of which which I you know there's a lot of things we can say about that we we would things we can say about that we we would things we can say about that we we would then have this Colossian episode to say then have this Colossian episode to say then have this Colossian episode to say oh this is what I'm talking about is the oh this is what I'm talking about is the oh this is what I'm talking about is the is the persons who have masters have got is the persons who have masters have got is the persons who have masters have got to be like Jesus here and those who are to be like Jesus here and those who are to be like Jesus here and those who are enslaved got you know need to be able to enslaved got you know need to be able to enslaved got you know need to be able to relate to their masters in a new way. relate to their masters in a new way. relate to their masters in a new way. But there's a new relationship that's But there's a new relationship that's But there's a new relationship that's going on here. That's that's the going on here. That's that's the going on here. That's that's the overarching point. there's a new overarching point. there's a new overarching point. there's a new relationship that's gone in that's not relationship that's gone in that's not relationship that's gone in that's not about the way society has ordered about the way society has ordered about the way society has ordered itself. So yeah, there's a lot of itself. So yeah, there's a lot of itself. So yeah, there's a lot of implications, but I think this letter implications, but I think this letter implications, but I think this letter helps us because without without helps us because without without helps us because without without Phileiman, we'd be left to um have a Phileiman, we'd be left to um have a Phileiman, we'd be left to um have a very uh archaic and heavy-handed sense very uh archaic and heavy-handed sense very uh archaic and heavy-handed sense about slavery. about slavery. about slavery. >> Yeah, for sure. As we start to wrap up >> Yeah, for sure. As we start to wrap up >> Yeah, for sure. As we start to wrap up our time together today, Dennis, what our time together today, Dennis, what our time together today, Dennis, what would you want to leave people thinking would you want to leave people thinking would you want to leave people thinking about the book of Ph? about the book of Ph? about the book of Ph? >> Yeah. Oh, man. many things but one two >> Yeah. Oh, man. many things but one two >> Yeah. Oh, man. many things but one two things I guess come to mind right away. things I guess come to mind right away. things I guess come to mind right away. One is um it is about the conversation One is um it is about the conversation One is um it is about the conversation about slavery. I think it's an important about slavery. I think it's an important about slavery. I think it's an important one to have. It keeps coming back up in one to have. It keeps coming back up in one to have. It keeps coming back up in Christian circles. Um I think um a lot Christian circles. Um I think um a lot Christian circles. Um I think um a lot of uh the rise of a lot of of uh the rise of a lot of of uh the rise of a lot of African-American scholars whose eyes African-American scholars whose eyes African-American scholars whose eyes have also been on this book of Phileiman have also been on this book of Phileiman have also been on this book of Phileiman has caused us to to rethink you know the has caused us to to rethink you know the has caused us to to rethink you know the whole dynamics between Onesimus and and whole dynamics between Onesimus and and whole dynamics between Onesimus and and Phileiman and and the institution of Phileiman and and the institution of Phileiman and and the institution of slavery in the ancient world. So that's slavery in the ancient world. So that's slavery in the ancient world. So that's one thing I do want people to be one thing I do want people to be one thing I do want people to be thinking about that and not be casual thinking about that and not be casual thinking about that and not be casual about their attitudes toward slavery was about their attitudes toward slavery was about their attitudes toward slavery was it's a complex institution um in the

it's a complex institution um in the it's a complex institution um in the ancient world. ancient world. ancient world. >> But the second thing is >> But the second thing is >> But the second thing is >> is conversion itself. >> is conversion itself. >> is conversion itself. >> Paul Paul talks about Onesimus as >> Paul Paul talks about Onesimus as >> Paul Paul talks about Onesimus as becoming useful to him and becoming his becoming useful to him and becoming his becoming useful to him and becoming his heart. There's something about the heart. There's something about the heart. There's something about the conversion that I don't want to take conversion that I don't want to take conversion that I don't want to take lightly that Paul really has been knit lightly that Paul really has been knit lightly that Paul really has been knit together with Onesimus in a special way together with Onesimus in a special way together with Onesimus in a special way because they're now brothers in Christ. because they're now brothers in Christ. because they're now brothers in Christ. that this relationship that we have in that this relationship that we have in that this relationship that we have in Christ is um is really maybe more uh Christ is um is really maybe more uh Christ is um is really maybe more uh it's deeper and more significant than it's deeper and more significant than it's deeper and more significant than sometimes we we would say and we tend to sometimes we we would say and we tend to sometimes we we would say and we tend to be at times pretty casual about it. Oh, be at times pretty casual about it. Oh, be at times pretty casual about it. Oh, you're a Christian. I'm a Christian. But you're a Christian. I'm a Christian. But you're a Christian. I'm a Christian. But but Paul, this is really a deep a deep but Paul, this is really a deep a deep but Paul, this is really a deep a deep bond that has developed. And he says bond that has developed. And he says bond that has developed. And he says he's my own heart. I'm sending him my he's my own heart. I'm sending him my he's my own heart. I'm sending him my very heart. I'm sending back to you. very heart. I'm sending back to you. very heart. I'm sending back to you. There's something very um uh important There's something very um uh important There's something very um uh important about conversion. And if conversion is a about conversion. And if conversion is a about conversion. And if conversion is a real thing, then then something's real thing, then then something's real thing, then then something's happening inside of Phileiman too, happening inside of Phileiman too, happening inside of Phileiman too, right? And Paul can appeal to that. He right? And Paul can appeal to that. He right? And Paul can appeal to that. He can appeal to what the spirit is doing can appeal to what the spirit is doing can appeal to what the spirit is doing inside of Phileiman to know uh for inside of Phileiman to know uh for inside of Phileiman to know uh for Phileiman to know that there's a right Phileiman to know that there's a right Phileiman to know that there's a right course of action to take here, right?

course of action to take here, right? course of action to take here, right? And um so I want people to come away And um so I want people to come away And um so I want people to come away saying, "Yeah, there's something real saying, "Yeah, there's something real saying, "Yeah, there's something real about conversion and there's something about conversion and there's something about conversion and there's something um deep and complex about the um deep and complex about the um deep and complex about the institution of slavery." institution of slavery." institution of slavery." >> Yeah. I'm so glad that you brought up >> Yeah. I'm so glad that you brought up >> Yeah. I'm so glad that you brought up that conversion piece especially because that conversion piece especially because that conversion piece especially because I was I was thinking um even even as we I was I was thinking um even even as we I was I was thinking um even even as we were talking just a few minutes ago that were talking just a few minutes ago that were talking just a few minutes ago that call of saying he is your brother now call of saying he is your brother now call of saying he is your brother now like that is saying that there that that like that is saying that there that that like that is saying that there that that when that with conversion when that with conversion when that with conversion >> is you are a new creation and you are >> is you are a new creation and you are >> is you are a new creation and you are now in Christ you are a co-air brother now in Christ you are a co-air brother now in Christ you are a co-air brother or sister in Christ so you have a new or sister in Christ so you have a new or sister in Christ so you have a new relationship not just with you in Christ relationship not just with you in Christ relationship not just with you in Christ but with each other but with each other but with each other >> and So whatever the hierarchies of this >> and So whatever the hierarchies of this >> and So whatever the hierarchies of this world may may stake out it at at the world may may stake out it at at the world may may stake out it at at the foot of the cross, it doesn't matter cuz foot of the cross, it doesn't matter cuz foot of the cross, it doesn't matter cuz we are now brothers and sisters. We are we are now brothers and sisters. We are we are now brothers and sisters. We are co-equals under Christ. And so I just co-equals under Christ. And so I just co-equals under Christ. And so I just love that reminder of saying, "Hey, love that reminder of saying, "Hey, love that reminder of saying, "Hey, yeah, the world may treat you like this.

yeah, the world may treat you like this. yeah, the world may treat you like this. The world may say that you're this, The world may say that you're this, The world may say that you're this, you're this, I'm this, whatever." But if you're this, I'm this, whatever." But if you're this, I'm this, whatever." But if you are a believer, if you have the Holy you are a believer, if you have the Holy you are a believer, if you have the Holy Spirit now living in you, guess what? Spirit now living in you, guess what? Spirit now living in you, guess what? You are a brother or sister with all the You are a brother or sister with all the You are a brother or sister with all the other believers around the world. And um other believers around the world. And um other believers around the world. And um so I I I love the emphasis of that in so I I I love the emphasis of that in so I I I love the emphasis of that in this book of saying, this book of saying, this book of saying, >> "Yeah, well, >> "Yeah, well, >> "Yeah, well, >> I love that. >> I love that. >> I love that. >> Amen. I'm I'm with you on that." I would >> Amen. I'm I'm with you on that." I would >> Amen. I'm I'm with you on that." I would I want to push a little bit too with I want to push a little bit too with I want to push a little bit too with that is that there's that there's a ball that is that there's that there's a ball that is that there's that there's a ball in the court. I guess I've used that in the court. I guess I've used that in the court. I guess I've used that metaphor before, but there's a metaphor before, but there's a metaphor before, but there's a responsibility a responsibility for the responsibility a responsibility for the responsibility a responsibility for the person who's in the in the presumably person who's in the in the presumably person who's in the in the presumably more powerful position in society. In more powerful position in society. In more powerful position in society. In other words, Paul Paul could just send other words, Paul Paul could just send other words, Paul Paul could just send Onesimus back and say, you know, uh, Onesimus back and say, you know, uh, Onesimus back and say, you know, uh, just make it work, man. Just, you know, just make it work, man. Just, you know, just make it work, man. Just, you know, tr trust this guy. No, he knows that tr trust this guy. No, he knows that tr trust this guy. No, he knows that society is not going to make it easy society is not going to make it easy society is not going to make it easy that way. So, he's got to tell the guy that way. So, he's got to tell the guy that way. So, he's got to tell the guy who's in power, you need to treat him who's in power, you need to treat him who's in power, you need to treat him differently. The ball is in his court. differently. The ball is in his court. differently. The ball is in his court. He doesn't say Onesimus, treat Phileiman He doesn't say Onesimus, treat Phileiman He doesn't say Onesimus, treat Phileiman differently. He says phim you need to differently. He says phim you need to differently. He says phim you need to treat him differently. So there's there treat him differently. So there's there treat him differently. So there's there is a responsibility on the person who is a responsibility on the person who is a responsibility on the person who has the more powerful position in has the more powerful position in has the more powerful position in society. So so yes we can recognize the society. So so yes we can recognize the society. So so yes we can recognize the humanity in others but I think there's a humanity in others but I think there's a humanity in others but I think there's a responsibility on those who have had responsibility on those who have had responsibility on those who have had relative power and privilege to make relative power and privilege to make relative power and privilege to make sure they recognize the humanity in sure they recognize the humanity in sure they recognize the humanity in others.

others. others. >> I think you're using the ball in his >> I think you're using the ball in his >> I think you're using the ball in his court metaphor because as we're court metaphor because as we're court metaphor because as we're recording we're about to start the recording we're about to start the recording we're about to start the conference championships of the NBA conference championships of the NBA conference championships of the NBA playoffs. playoffs. playoffs. >> So >> So >> So >> that works. That works. >> that works. That works. >> that works. That works. >> It works perfectly. >> It works perfectly. >> It works perfectly. Ah, Dennis, thank you so much for being Ah, Dennis, thank you so much for being Ah, Dennis, thank you so much for being our guide through Phileiman today. I our guide through Phileiman today. I our guide through Phileiman today. I really truly appreciate it. really truly appreciate it. really truly appreciate it. >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> Would you mind closing us in prayer? >> Not at all. Thank you. >> Not at all. Thank you. >> Not at all. Thank you. >> Dear God, we are grateful for who you >> Dear God, we are grateful for who you >> Dear God, we are grateful for who you are and how you have been at work uh all are and how you have been at work uh all are and how you have been at work uh all throughout time. And Lord Jesus, we throughout time. And Lord Jesus, we throughout time. And Lord Jesus, we thank you for your ministry on earth and thank you for your ministry on earth and thank you for your ministry on earth and how you uh work through your your people how you uh work through your your people how you uh work through your your people um and how you sent the Holy Spirit to um and how you sent the Holy Spirit to um and how you sent the Holy Spirit to continue to work in the world. And then continue to work in the world. And then continue to work in the world. And then I thank you particularly for the Apostle I thank you particularly for the Apostle I thank you particularly for the Apostle Paul and for Timothy and for other uh Paul and for Timothy and for other uh Paul and for Timothy and for other uh co-workers and partners in the ministry. co-workers and partners in the ministry. co-workers and partners in the ministry. And then this little letter, Lord, I And then this little letter, Lord, I And then this little letter, Lord, I want to thank you for because it it want to thank you for because it it want to thank you for because it it opens our eyes to some realities about opens our eyes to some realities about opens our eyes to some realities about the ancient world. It opens our eyes to the ancient world. It opens our eyes to the ancient world. It opens our eyes to how Christians uh were called to operate how Christians uh were called to operate how Christians uh were called to operate in their world in a very stratified in their world in a very stratified in their world in a very stratified difficult society. And then it calls us difficult society. And then it calls us difficult society. And then it calls us to pay attention to how our society to pay attention to how our society to pay attention to how our society operates and perhaps to work in some operates and perhaps to work in some operates and perhaps to work in some countercultural ways to make sure that countercultural ways to make sure that countercultural ways to make sure that we value uh the the relationship that we we value uh the the relationship that we we value uh the the relationship that we have with other people with our sisters have with other people with our sisters have with other people with our sisters and brothers. So I pray Lord God that we and brothers. So I pray Lord God that we and brothers. So I pray Lord God that we would let your grace uh reign in our would let your grace uh reign in our would let your grace uh reign in our hearts and that we would be uh these hearts and that we would be uh these hearts and that we would be uh these ministers of reconciliation even in our

ministers of reconciliation even in our ministers of reconciliation even in our time. So we pray for your will to be time. So we pray for your will to be time. So we pray for your will to be done. We pray this in the name and done. We pray this in the name and done. We pray this in the name and authority of our Lord Jesus. Amen.