The forgiveness of Philemon
This article by Kyle Bruinooge examines Paul's epistle to Philemon from the master's perspective, exploring Philemon's conversion, his role as a host of a house church, and the theological implications of his calling to forgive and receive back his runaway slave Onesimus. The work demonstrates how the narrative of Philemon illustrates God's grace working through reconciliation and Christian duty in practical relationships.
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:1-3 In the last article on Onesimus, we examined the narrative of Philemon from the perspective of the runaway slave. We saw the beautiful evidence of God's eternal love in bringing Onesimus into contact with...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org