Summary of the Bible in 66 Posts: 57. Philemon- Reconciliation

 Philemon 1:16 ESV

 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.


The Bible doesn't explicitly forbid slavery. The new testament condemns the slave trade, which is the lifeblood of slavery. The old testament allowed for temporary slavery for people to get themselves out of debt.

Philemon became a Christian. His slave Onesimus ran away, and became a Christian on the run. The Apostle Paul met Onesimus and commanded him to return to Philemon.

Note however that there's no slavery in the Kingdom of God. Onesimus wasn't to return to slavery. Instead, he was to freely and willingly serve his brother in Christ Philemon.

Philemon wasn't to enslave his fellow Christian. Instead he was to welcome him back as his beloved brother. The gospel can empower estranged people to become reconciled.

'Gracious Lord, please reconcile us to yourself, as we entrust ourselves to you. In Jesus' name, amen'. 

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