Today were going to finally finish this series on slavery in the Bible, as we look at what slavery looks like in the New Testament. Was the slavery of the New Testament cruel? When Paul wrote that slaves should obey their masters, was he talking about oppressive slavery? Why didn't Jesus condemn slavery outright?
Philemon 1:1-25
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, (2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: (3) Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (4) I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (5) Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; (6) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (7) For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (8) Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, (9) Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. (10) I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: (11) Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: (12) Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: (13) Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: (14) But without thy mind would I do nothing; th |
