The last issue of this article began to look at Paul’s Letter to Philemon, the shortest of his letters, and never used in the worship of the Eastern Church. This letter illustrates Paul’s exceptional gifts of persuasion as well as the theological foundation of his conviction. As I shared, Paul cleverly addressed the letter to an individual, Philemon, with the realization that it would be read to the community.

Paul’s appeal is this: Have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother –         especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Welcome him as you would welcome me. So Paul did not directly address slavery as something abhorrent to God but just encourages a slave owner to welcome a former slave as a brother. This shows that Paul realized that the true message of Jesus, namely that all humans are brothers, meant that men could not impose slavery on other men and must treat others with love. In loving others, even the least of our brothers, we love God.

Then Paul tells Philemon that if Onesimus has wronged him in any way or owes him anything, Philemon is to charge that to Paul’s account and he will repay it. Paul adds, I say nothing about your owing me even your own self.

In so many ways, Paul makes the teaching and message of Jesus concrete and real in the world in which they lived. The world was one which saw some as slaves and others as masters. This was not the world as God created it. So, in simple, and yet persuasive ways, Paul follows the teachings of Jesus and attempts to change the society in which he lived, making it more into the Kingdom of God.

Paul concludes his appeal by praising Philemon once again: Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.  Who could really resist such a letter, especially if you felt that Paul shared with you a message directly from God.

Paul then adds one more thing: Prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you. The words may suggest that Paul thought he would be set free, but their rhetorical function in the letter is clear: if and when Paul gets out of prison, he will come and see Philemon. Again this is just another encouragement given to Philemon to do what is right with regards to Onesimus. The words suggest affection and also inspection – will Philemon do what Paul has asked him to do with regards to releasing Onesimus from slavery?

The letter is truly a masterpiece of persuasion. Some see it as manipulative and decry it as such. Paul does back Philemon into a corner that he couldn’t get out of without looking really bad.