Paul’s epistle to the Colossians provided guidance on how to deal with their past, showing them how faith in Christ brings new meaning to their situation. Callahan argues that, beyond verse 16, "nothing in the text conclusively indicates that Onesimus was ever the chattel of the letter's chief addressee. Rather than deal with the morality of slavery directly, he undermines the foundation of slavery which is dehumanization of other human beings. Two eminent scholars with almost a century of collective teaching expertise have successfully excavated Paul’s efforts to build bridges between “truth and grace,” “hope of the future and a victorious present” as nascent Christians of the Lycus valley were constrained by “faith in the pre-eminence of Christ” and the fear of their religious past. This 12-week study walks readers through two Pauline letters that highlight the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it informs Christians’ relationships with one another. The numerous parallels of vocabulary and matters discussed in Ephesians and Colossians link these epistles together. The Book of Colossians contains important teachings for an integrated and diverse society. This is a treasure of sagacious reflections, a must-read for pastors, theological educators and anyone who cares to hear God speak to Asians today through the gospel. The preservation of the letter suggests that Paul's request was granted. Because slavery was so ingrained into society that the “abolitionist would have been at the same time an insurrectionist, and the political effects of such a movement would have been unthinkable. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, The Place of Creedal Confession in Worship. He is the perfect “image” and last Adam, whose own perfections serve as the pattern for his people’s renewal as image-bearers (1:15; 3:9-10). [8] After meeting Paul, Onesimus became a Christian believer. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. The epistle of Philemon is attributed to the apostle Paul, and this attribution has rarely been questioned by scholars. Slavery was most commonly found in households. He may have been arrested and imprisoned alongside Paul. He also mentions his wish to visit and asks Philemon to prepare a guest room. Yahweh's Elegant Speeches of the Abrahamic Narr... For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. With his wife Kathleen, he taught for nineteen years at Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India. The preexistent Son entered history and became human. [11] In place of the traditional interpretation, Callahan suggests that Onesimus and Philemon are brothers both by blood and religion, but who have become estranged, and the intent of this letter was to reconcile the two men. Learn more or donate today at, (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of biblical studies at the Evangelical Theological College and assistant professor of New Testament at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, both in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He offers to pay for any debt created by Onesimus' departure and expresses his desire that Philemon might refresh his heart in Christ. It was addressed to Philemon and to the other members of the church at Colossae who met in Philemon's house. So in short, Onesimus’ honor and obedience is not claimed by Philemon, but by Christ. "[10] Callahan argues that the earliest commentators on this work – the homily of Origen and the Anti-Marcion Preface – are silent about Onesimus' possible servile status, and traces the origins of this interpretation to John Chrysostom, who proposed it in his Homiliae in epistolam ad Philemonem, during his ministry in Antioch, circa 386–398. [12] Ben Witherington III has challenged Callahan's interpretation as a misreading of Paul's rhetoric. As written in Sacra Pagina Philippians and Philemon, the move from slave to freedman has to do with a shift in “standing under the lordship of Jesus Christ”. It is the shortest of Paul's extant letters, consisting of only 335 words in the Greek text.[2]. Indeed, the gospel can be summarized as “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). Some of the most exalted language concerning him is found in this short jewel of a letter we know today as the book of Colossians. It is a prison letter, co-authored by Paul the Apostle with Timothy, to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. "[18], The opening salutation follows a typical pattern found in other Pauline letters. He is the author of. James is an intensely practical book, filled with exhortations to Christians about the way they should live their lives now that they have been given new life in Jesus. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Although he has the boldness to command Philemon to do what would be right in the circumstances, he prefers to base his appeal on his knowledge of Philemon's love and generosity. [8] Knox further argued that the letter was intended to be read aloud in the Colossian church in order to put pressure on Archippus. In him the ultimate circumcision takes place, demarcating those who belong to the new covenant people of God and enabling them to live faithful lives (2:11, 13). In Philemon, we see the essence of the gospel reflected in Paul’s life as he imitates his Lord in offering himself as a righteous substitution for Onesimus before the wronged Philemon (vv. Composition. Christopher A. Beetham (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of biblical studies at the Evangelical Theological College and assistant professor of New Testament at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, both in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The message of this salvation is producing spiritual fruit all over the world as it spreads across the earth in expanding waves (1:6). Idicheria Ninan, PhDProfessor of New Testament,South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore, India. This biblical epic of the kingdom mission of God runs from creation to new creation. 17-19). And third, Colossians taps into and develops the epic story of Scripture in profound ways. Both of these epistles are extremely relevant to the church in Asia today, especially as it is confronted with syncretism, false teachings and the mistreatment of the less fortunate and marginalized in society. Some of the most exalted language concerning him is found in this short jewel of a letter we know today as the book of Colossians. Rather, Paul regularly mentions others in the address if they have a particular connection with the recipient. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. When it comes to Onesimus and his circumstance as a slave, Paul felt that Onesimus should return to Philemon but not as a slave; rather, under a bond of familial love.

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