Receiving Fellow Slaves: The Grounding, Action , and Result of Christian Love

Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

In Colossians we saw how someone in Christ, has a radical new identity lives in world and in church with a new head/source; results in fulness that comes by living WITH Christ - inwardly character, but outwardly duties household code, for society. But the surprise came at the end of the letter, that when we live like this, not inwardly focused, individually focused like false teachers,or like a church in conflict. But remarkably outwardly focused that spring prayer - release of all that energy - go in the world and words full of grace and salt! But then remember how the letter ended -snap shot of the community that Christ lives in - in between all our relationships!

Well friends we are in for such a treat because in one of the most unusual books of the Bible, a letter of personal correspondence that Paul sends to a friend from his time in Ephesus - wealthy man open his home with who is probably his wife, Apphia, and his son who has become pastor in place of Epaphras who is still in Rome with Paul in prison. This letter has no new teaching or doctrine, its just a snap shot of what true Christian love is based upon, what action flows from it, and what result is established in our relationships with each other through it. As LUTHER'S eloquently describes it, "This Epistle showeth a right, noble, lovely example of Christian love.”

But because there’s no direct command to us, no direct teaching, the Holy Spirit inspired this book so that you would learn by example. This morning you must as it were enter into the lives of three characters to learn how love works in the fellowship of faith! First, for The Basis of Love Enter into Philemon Life with Me.

A. The Basis of Agape for Each Other: Christ’s Love in Your Life

This is the easiest for most us to enter into. Like Philemon, most of us have been Christians for awhile. Like Philemon most of us haven’t been in trouble with the law and you’ve done what you can for the church Christ.

Paul who had never been to Colosse did know Epaphras the church planter, who most likely came from Ephesus when Paul had spent 2 1/2 years there. Paul also seems to have come to know this really nice guy Philemon then too. Possibly a business headquartered in Ephesus the capital of this Roman province of Phrygia, or something like that. Wealthy enough to host a church in their home - like synagogue started, big common room in Israel, Roman style. And as we see here, wealthy enough to have slave, who seems to have fled but not before defrauding him of significant money. Now Paul is going to ask Philemon to do a voluntary but costly act of Christian love to someone who really really wronged and disadvantaged him. And I suppose we are all like Philemon in this way too. Most of us have someone in our life, maybe a non-Christian like Onesimus was,or maybe even a Christan brother or sister who has wronged us! Often those closest to you can pain you the most too. You struggle with how to respond - demand my pound of flesh, just forget about it, you know that’s not forgiveness, confront this? What to you do?

Well it is striking that Paul writes almost half of his letter to Philemon, without even bringing up anything about Onesimus. 145 words in of a 375 w letter. What is Paul doing? Is he a slime ball that is giving insincere complements, misrepresent facts - butter Philemon up - smoozing to get his way? How do we read this first chunk? Well, notice that the you’s through out the letter all just singular to Philemon , except the greeting and the ending: It seems this letter read aloud with the whole house church with Tychicus and the runawayslave sitting them. Why? Paul is going to ask in a veiled way for a huge act of Christ like love, but he grounds that action in basis of Christian love that we have in the community of the church!

This letter has come with the Colossians letter imagine just read first - Paul had just outlined how the tools for remember that spring - not just prayer but people devoted to prayer, and then tactful, grace-filled salty speech to others. Paul is showing how those tools at work in Philemon’s life and that is the root from which they are drawing this love of Christ. Paul remembers his friends in prayer, do you? When we bow your head at the table, quiet time in morning, as praying thru the day in car? - Remember the Paul Simon song: Are you going to Scarborough Fair - remember me to the one who lives there she once was a true love of mine. Kind of like, if bump into old friend, they are going to see another old friend, say hello - tell them I miss them.remember me to them. Why is Paul praying about his friend in thanksgiving to God. Look at the two part content of his prayer: i. love for Christ

because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

Philemon 5 ESV

because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

Now I imagine like Philemon you get the first part of that. You love the Lord Jesus and you have faith toward him. Know what He has done for you, taking on human nature, sharing weakness, bearing your sin, releasing you from slavery to sin punishment of sin, fear of death, rising to fil you wll the fulness, so - as Col Christ in me the hope of glory, how I live. When you have faith toward Jesus, yearn and move in trust to take hold of what is an unattained good - and the result of that is love. But what about the second part of that.

So many people in general say: I love humanity, its’ people I can’t stand. Linus to Einstein. But a lot of people say “I love Jesus , its the church I have no use for, stinky hypocrites. Grumpy legalists, pharisees, … But Paul gives thanks for how Philemon as diligent business man and householder, he has come to love Christ, but that love and faith - is not separated at all from loving those who are in Christ. What does he call others Christians, even those weak and hurt floundering with false teaching, even those who wronged - saints. Literally holy ones. We love not because of how useful or nice others are, but because he frist loved us! This how is Philemon to receive this salve who has become a Christian - both in the flesh and in the Lord - as prized, precious, BELOVED Brother!

How can you have the same love for Jesus as you do for the people in the pew around you? Jerome asked this question as translated it for the Latin Roman Empire: If the question is asked—“How can we have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward all the saints?”—the answer is that you have love in Christ Jesus and toward the saints, and you have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward the saints by a shared property…. It is because the same holiness is shared by the Lord and by his servants, as Old Testament usage shows. As long as we believe in the holiness of God, we shall see it in his true servants as well.

Jerome

Wow, do you believe that in Christ - these are those imputed, counted holy in Jesus - not just blood-bought fellow Christians, but made holy in God’s sight. Shine with beauty of the Son of Man, brighter awe wow - No longer regard people from natural perspective, new in Christ! This means that your relationship with Jesus puts you in an orbit of love with all Christians. Slave fee male female, Cultured, uncultured, Barbarian, most uncultured Scythians… Citizens, non citizens… Feel that with one can’t get along with? Feel that with Gurret as he comes from Ethiopia - partner with new believers from Muslim Afar! Perse Xns as Bible League comes. Until we have that kind of love, our lives won’t reach out in love to brothers and sisters in Christ with agape. love. But now he says that is going to be the basis of how you now love Onesimus in action.

Until we have that kind of love, our lives won’t reach out in love to brothers and sisters in Christ with agape. love. But now he says that is going to be the basis of how you now love Onesimus in action.

Philemon 7 ESV

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

But now he says that is going to be the basis of how you now love Onesimus in action.

B. But Philemon has done this. So Paul adds the secondthing he prays for his brother:\

ii. SHARING Faith and Love BECOME EFFECTIVE But Philemon has done this. So Paul adds the second thing he prays for his brother:

Philemon 6a and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective

Philemon 6 ESV

and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

If the question is asked—“How can we have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward all the saints?”—the answer is that you have love in Christ Jesus and toward the saints, and you have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward the saints by a shared property…. It is because the same holiness is shared by the Lord and by his servants, as Old Testament usage shows. As long as we believe in the holiness of God, we shall see it in his true servants as well.

Now, no doubt, we are called to share our faith with others - outreach like end of Colossians. But hear the word Paul uses focuses on you sharing in the faith. Like imagine their is the Christian faith over there - it’s this gift package of goodies, books, and list of jobs, and inheritance,and whole package of Christ and all his benefits, Kingdom of God. And Paul says you are to have a SHARING partaking a partner-ing in these realities that goes on with other people - KOINOWIA- sharing , participation, like participating in the Lord’s Supper. ie so you get the package, but now you tie yourself to another one here open it together!

Ok you got faith, but I am praying for you brother that your own going sharing in these realities - that it would get ENERGIZED, that’s the word for made effective. Think of that little energizer bunny with batteries in the back. Paul prays this, but also at the end of the letter as he hopes for his release and to visit them; Paul presumes upon Philemon’s prayers for him. As Adolf Schlatter commented: “The prayers of the community in its salvation. We are to pray for Christian friends - particularly- that they would be energized as Christians for what?

Michael F. Bird, Colossians and Philemon, New Covenant Commentary Series (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2009), 143.

We are to pray for Christian friends - particularly- that they would be energized as Christians for what?

Philemon 6b effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

Philemon 6b ESV

and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

Energized to for this full knowledge, of every good thing that is newly in us for the sake of Christ. There are all these treasures that Philemon has in knowing Christ and Christ’ blessings and - as he does everything as unto the LORD, that blessing overflows into refreshment in the hearts of those around us.

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Philemon 7 ESV

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Now I wonder as you look around this morning, can you find a face in the crowd of someone who refreshed your heart? Went through family trouble, work, uncertainty, struggled with failure, crumpled in sin, stalled in life just waiting - when that happens in Christ - a new comfort, strength, joy enters your life - because your heart has been given rest and strength in Christ. What Jesus ultimate promises in is all about:

Matthew 11:29 ESV

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Exact same word. What we sang of brother let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you. Let me walk the mile and bear the load. Jesus has done that in most unique way- what salvation is - but we in experiencing his love are to mirror that love - agape love with others. By acts like this, agape love in the duties that God has us in family, work, neighbour, and in his church - we prove our faith , to be one that is “FAITH WORKING BY LOVE”. Though those good works not the root but the fruit of faith, faith is shown not to be a dead faith without them, as useless as a screen door on a submarine!

So it is this is dynamic of your faith working out toward others in agape love , that is at the heart of the fellowship, koinonia of faith - that Paul has shown to be the grounding for a very specific and heroic act of love. And here I want you to enter Paul’s life with a runaway slave to see:

And here I want you to enter Paul’s life with a runaway slave to see:

B. The Action of Agape: Receiving Slaves as Beloved Brothers

Put yourself in Paul’s shoes. He’s in cosmopolitan Rome, probably apartment in direct of the wall, A lot of hustle and bustle. And Aristarchus that Jewish Christian from Thessalonica is with him Last couple months Epaphras the church planter from Colosse But then one day, maybe with Epaphras, a young man is brought to him and dear in the headlights, fidgety, nervous prodigal brought before Paul. It would seem he blew the money he had stolen, like many runaway slaves tried to blend in Rome. Perhaps noticed Epaphras maybe a gathering of Phyrigan club,or chance meeting on street. And he is distraught - ruanaway slave if caught, bounty hunters all the time, executed, one guy crucified whole lot of him at this, this, or branded with the F, for fugitive, OR Watch out Robber. Recognizes this friend of former master, goes to him, or perhaps even knew of Paul - thought to ask according to Roman law for mediator. Whatever the case, he is before Paul now. He receives the gospel, He is transformed, as many slaves in the early church were, and he is a dear brother but also a child and spiritual father. Useful in his roman ministry whether practically or more likely in discipleship of others. Like a young eager apprentice!

But through it all, Paul must consider what true repentance looks like for his dear and incredibly useful brother Onesimus. True fro each one of us: no one lives the Christian life without repentance; flip-side of the coin off faith and believing. There is no easy belieiveism, but trust Christ, means to turn form sin, and not only run from it, but seek its opposite. You may be forgiven of your sins, but grace of Jesus doesn’t just forgive, it gives you a new a redeemed life in submission to Christ’s will. And we we are so blinded from our most personal sins, that deceitfulness to sin, that need help of others - what does repentance look like in my life, Need ethical help - just this week - business transaction what’sthe wyaof Christ here? Onesimus regardless of his faith had a debt to pay, he wasn’t free from what is right and what is law!

Perhaps there was a law that if you find a slave from the provinces, if they were not from a Roman cities but just from the provinces, you didn’t have to return them. And there was a law that stipulated that if you had a slave claiming freedom in at your family altar, you had to either return that slave or pay the equivalent money. But even more Onemismus had wronged a brother, and Christ called him to seek reconciliation and make things right. So golden opportunity with Tychius traveling to deliver these letters, Onesimus must return to this master.

Now think of what Paul could have done. Listen know, Onesimus wronged you, but we’re Christians now forgive and forget - he is useful to me so I am keeping him. Easier to to do it now and ask forgiveness later. Could have played his apostle card, But no Paul says, fellow brother, prisoner for Christ, says I could have commanded, but Philemon:

yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—

Philemon 9 ESV

yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—

What a wonder of loving action in Paul himself, It’s really modelling what he commanded all of us to

Colossians 4:6 ESV

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We are to be bold and our speech tangy and punchy, yet with such love. Do you ever appeal to others? How about you parents- not lord it over commanding, but appeal. Paul even does it with a sense of humour about it. Onesimus one o the most common names for a slave - Useful. But to Philemon he was anything but, useless. But now Paul is saying, look he has been transformed by Christ, he is USEFUL for you and me as dear Christian servant of Christ. I am sending you to him, like I am sending my heart. My appeal that I want you to you to wholeheartedly do but freely a real choice that you believe in,not just a token or a favour or a reluctant duty is this:

Philemon 15b-16 that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—

Philemon 15–16 ESV

For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 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.

This is the specific action of love that ought to flow from living in the fellowship, koinonia of faith that we do. Paul had experienced the LORD Jesus from heaven interceding, mediating with Him as an unworthy persecutor of the church, a self-righteous, mean man. And Christ called out in love and mercy to Him. Christ had done everything possible to make peace with the Master and himself. And now Paul had accepted this scared broken guilty, wretched man, he says I want things right in your life, I will even pay what you did wrong.

Branded with F - fugitive, crucified, two laws, if ran away to household altar, householder get to return or sell and give money back; or if from Provinces (Phrygia) not required… but Paul follows the law, doesn’t just keep and say, I knew you wouldn’t mind, ask forgiveness later., but illustarting how to speak with salt and grace … tangy… say ; either stole a considerable sum of money, or money lost as runa way slacve… consequences of past sins, but not guilt or shame… but still deal with; sends him with Tychicus even though would love him as personal attachment. Less about personal treatment of runaway slave, and more about hte social implications of the gospel … receive hm on the footing of a true Christian brother… ie Ralph Davis … experience of a divorcee - treated like I had leprosy, no touch, arm on shoulder, hug, …

And Paul appeals to you and me and Philemon - don’t just receive him back in the flesh, restored as a salve to you, but receive him back in the LORD, receive him as a servant of the Lord and therefore as a brother in Christ. And it is a real test for each of us.

This is what Paul was praying - make Philemon faith operational/energized it with that kind of love. Philemon is to receive the runaway slave as if he was his friend the Apostle Paul. Paul says, you owe your life to me, Philemon, but now I am appealing for even more than you just accept him as slave back. But as a Christian. And listen carefully! This former runway slave, his name is useful, benefit; but now Philemon do you udnertand that you and I are no different than him inthe LORD, we were all runaways and have all been freed and given a new life in Christ. Well listen Master Philemon, you too are an Onesimus, a slave to Christ and His righteousness! A willing slave to God’s good. You too are Mr. Useful and God is looking for you to make a BENEFIT to someone in your life like this desperate worried young man.

Philemon 20 ESV

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Is anyone here getting some usefulness from you? Have you become a Onesimus in Christ, forgiven and then forgiving. Disadvanataged by someone but now giving them a new start? Well that is the Result of Christian Love.

C. The Result of Agape: Someone Else’s Heart Refreshed in Christ

Imagine that your forgiveness your reconciliation, your welcoming of prodigal sons and daughter, you daring them to actually change and repent, your paying out of your own purse for them - could result in Christ refreshing someones heart! Paul says

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Paul says Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Philemon 21 ESV

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

With many commentators I do believe that Paul was asking for Philemon to go through a ceremony of manumission, given personhood, given a felt cap. where as slave was given freedom and even asking that Philemon send him back for gospel work with him in Rome. Now it is important to note that though through efforts like Wilberforce Christians did develop an ethical framework to outlaw racial slavery of the African slave trade. But that was neither Paul nor the early Christians concern. Remember up to half the population enslaved in various forms, and those “freeman”often had it harder; Ending slavery would end the Roman Empire, their society fall apart, and Christian's looked upon anti-social revolutionaries. And yet, I do believe that Philemon set him free and sent him to Paul. And the earliest church histories do record a man named Onesimus raised up as a Pastor and Overseer, and even chief of region of pastor Bishop Onesimus of this very region of Colosse. And I believe that is why the church so eagerly accepted this personal letter, as Holy Spirit inspired authoritative and necessary part of NT Scriptures.

Not so much because of its principles regarding slaver, but listen: Less about personal treatment of runaway slave, and more about the social implications of the gospel … receive him on the footing of a true Christian brother… And this letter is kind of a trophy of what true Christian love does in our relationships - it makes masters servants and it raises up slaves and makes the beloved brothers. And while you may never a letter written about your friendships here - know that they are so essential to God’s community on earth - welcome of a new believer at last profession of faith, your accepting a child with special needs, your prayers and love for someone who wanders!

A divorcee tells of her treatment at church. Her and her husband active members. He had an affair tried hard to patch it up. He continued the pattern. She describes how even though they did’t blame her, she felt treated like I had leprosy, no touch, arm on shoulder, hug, … Instead of branded with Fugitive F, D. Do we have room for ONesimus’ in our fellowship? In your circle of friends? Or think of those who struggle with SA, have committed Adultery, had abortions, … Question is with delicacy and charm and strength will we appeal to each other, both repentance and forgiveness, will we accept each other in Christ - radical one-ness. Will we offer ourselves as servants of Christ for the refreshing of others, for the restoration, for real repentance of others?

That’s what is so interesting that this letter to Philemon, begins and ends witha greeting and blessing for the whole church that meets in their house. This story this action it is directed to you and me! You pl at end in prayers, also to church = public private modern convention; restoring slave as Xn with repentance and forgiveness = public matter, = Xns bound together in a common faith in all their activities… …

In conclusion: think about how miserable Onesimus’ life had become. Think of the loss and anger Philemon felt. A lot of miserable things happen in our lives, in the church too, often left scratching our heads why, or even bitterly shaking our fists at the sky. But did you hear what Paul said to Philemon, like with Josephus brothers - Onesimus meant it for evil, Joseph’s brothers meant it for evil, really stink,hurts, costs

hey have heard Paul’s word: Philemon 15a

Philemon 15a ESV

For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

God soveriegnly bends the evil in his people lives to seerve the good. Like that pawn shop Bible. Paul is calling Philemon to take a steop back, and laugh at the wonder of God using this, to dreaw a poor and rebel hearted slave and thief to be changed by Christ. And you can be part of that for the good Philemon.

have him back forever… physcially, or as CHristian for eternity… would like to have him back, but up to Philemon,

Branded with F - fugitive, crucified, two laws, if ran away to household altar, householder get to return or sell and give money back; or if from Provinces (Phrygia) not required… but Paul follows the law, doesn’t just keep and say, I knew you wouldn’t mind, ask forgiveness later., but illustarting how to speak with salt and grace … tangy… say ; either stole a considerable sum of money, or money lost as runa way slacve… consequences of past sins, but not guilt or shame… but still deal with; sends him with Tychicus even though would love him as personal attachment.

Paul seeks pardon for most serious offences known to ancient law = PLATO - wisdom, courage, SELF-Discipline, JUSTICE = destroy fabric of DUTY that holds society together.. not interfere with my duties, property, faithfullly fulfilll them, Paul had detained another persons employee a long time ; asking forgivnes for him… with delicacy and charm…

What God does with each of us in Christ, makes all things work together for our salvation, for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. Passage that speaks of you and being conformed into the image of Christ, of the reconciler. This is the bread and butter of gospel living - forgiveness, repentance, empowering restoration. Paul pressed for this in Philemon’s life, but had it read in church and says - this is the way we’ve got to live with one another! May it be that sons and daguhter, husband wives, friends, those at work or school - have them back, not just for some time, but for eternity, in oneness with Christ. Amen.

Not point f this letter, well developed change to slave system … would have brought whole CChristian movement onto revolutionary social grounds… ie. Lennin but didn’t set foot once in middle class factory or famrers village…

Although not trying to end eco system that drove Rome, didn more than any other man to put an end to the evil system = slave as muchas his master, was the SERVANT OF CHRIST, therefore respecxt his own personality and live by a higher law… slave fee inwardly so outwardly just a manner of time.... England it was the spiritual equality that eventually ended the system…

you singular all Philemon, Colossians Xn, but you pl at end in prayers, also to church = public private modern convention; restoring slave as Xn with repentance and forgiveness = public matter, = Xns bound together in a common faith in all their activieies… …

have him back forever… physcially, or as CHristian for eternity… would like to have him back, but up to Philemon,

ie. Like Dr. PawnShop BIble - send th book, remarkable twists and turns GOd is always orchestrating…

both in flesh (slave) and in the LOrd - useful to me, you… no longer as a slave, but better, a brother, servant of Christ like you and me… = could translate into being a freedman, manumit…

V.20 I want some benefit from you, refresh my heart in the LORD = salt and grace, not force… but bold with each other..

v.21 COnfident obey and more than I ask = do it well receive as a brother, or do beyond, free him

Q = why seek out Paul, Onesimus fled from Philemon not as a “runaway” seeking to gain freedom but in order to enlist Paul’s services as mediator in a dispute between himself and his master Philemon. Ancient sources refer to this kind of a situation, the slave in such circumstances not being regarded legally as a “fugitive” as long as he had no intention of seeking his freedom and as long as he went directly to the mediator. On this scenario, the problem of coincidence is removed: Onesimus deliberately sought out Paul.

Or runs into Epaphras??

Big Decisions to send Onesimus back, lose freedom and help! but Emphasis on changed spritual life of Onesimus…

KEY ISSUE is no longer the past wrong done, but the new situation that’s arisen becuase of Onesimus becoming a Christian!

Second thoughts about running away, seeks Paul out to enlist help in interveneing with Philemon.

Douglas J. Moo, The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008), 367–368.

PURPOSE and SIGNIFICANCE: Verse 17 is very clear about what Paul wants Philemon to do: “welcome him [Onesimus] as you would welcome me.” The beginning of this verse—“if you consider me a partner”—sums up some key ideas from the first part of the letter. And this request also features the first imperative verb in the letter. It is therefore a key moment in the letter. Paul’s desire that Philemon receive his slave Onesimus back as a brother in Christ must, then, be central in any estimation of the purpose of the letter

PLUS v.21 “even more” = A) make O available for ministry, or B) diaoneo not often used for CHristian ministry… and Paul is going to be there soon any way… so treat as dear brother in lord and in flesh = inconsistent to own one who is a dear brother!!!! = welcome him as you would welcome me… be freed, and preservation of letter hints this happened!!!

Douglas J. Moo, The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008), 369–370.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: Colossians and Philemon III. The Purpose and Significance of the Letter

Slavery was so much a part of the world of that day that, as an institution, it would almost have escaped the notice of early Christians—much as, for instance, the underlying economic systems in which we live simply don’t make the moral “radar screen” of many Christians.

Also:Moreover, legal freedom was by no means always a positive move for a slave. The treatment slaves received from their owners naturally varied greatly, but all owners had reason to treat their slaves tolerably well since they were an important economic investment for them. Once set free, however, former slaves (“freedmen”) were on their own and often found it very difficult to make a living. Legal freedom would not, then, have been the obvious good in the first century that we would consider it to be today. Nor would Onesimus’s manumission necessarily have changed his relationship to Philemon all that much; many freed slaves were still obliged to work

= in new realm of church still household codes for life in the world...

Douglas J. Moo, The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008), 371–372.

V. 5 no attempt to split Christ and his church - love and of the faith that you have toward Christ Jesus and for all the saints