Explore the Bible: Restoration

• The Explore the Bible lesson for Nov. 28 focuses on Philemon 8-21.

From ancient Greece to modern America, we find nations historically linked to slavery. Individuals who study world history have some knowledge of slavery in biblical history and slavery in Europe, Spain, Portugal and other European countries.

In America, the history of indentured servants and chattel slavery began in Virginia in the 1600s. An indentured servant willingly agreed to work for a specific time, for a specific person without pay. The indentured servant could be sold but was not considered property. At the end of the agreement, the servant was released with the freedom to own property and vote. On the other hand, the slave became property of his owner, including generations of the slave’s descendants. The slaves could be bought or sold, could not own property or money, could not exercise the right to vote, and was not entitled to basic human rights.

Like the United States, the Southern Baptist Convention has a history linked to support for slavery. An article by Michael Grybosky concerns racial reconciliation in the SBC and Southern Baptists’ attempts to make churches more diverse. Racial Reconciliation Sunday is held each year in February. Typically, African American churches and white churches exchange pulpits. Initially known in 1965 as Race Relations Sunday. the SBC in 1998 voted to change the name to Racial Reconciliation Sunday. The SBC issued a formal apology for its initial support of slavery and segregation, while also reaching out to African American churches.

When former SBC President J. D. Greear preached at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., he talked about the “horrible history of racism” in Western churches. “You see, the gospel teaches us that there’s only one kind of person: human,” Greear said. “We all got one common problem: sin. We only have one hope: the blood of Jesus. And that means all people—red and yellow, black and white—all alike are precious in his sight because all are affected with the same problem; all require the same solution.”

Slavery legally was abolished in the United States more than a century and a half ago when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, making it official that slaves are forever free. Unfortunately, today millions of people are enslaved in the modern world. Victims of sex trafficking and forced labor are among those listed by the U. S. Department of State as enslaved.

In this lesson, Paul deals significantly with the issue of the treatment of a Christian slave as one who deserves equity and who should be treated as a brother in Christ.

Boldness in Christ (Philemon 8-12)

Paul makes the appeal to Philemon regarding a grievance Onesimus, his runaway slave, had with his master. Paul’s goal was to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus, master and slave, especially since Onesimus has accepted Christ through Paul.

For some, it is hard to bridge the gap when one person has complete power over another. Paul gently urges Philemon to freely do the right thing in the case of Onesimus (v. 14).

Because of Onesimus’ conversion to Christianity, he is no longer considered a useless slave, but a brother (v. 16). Paul reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Paul sums up the reason Philemon was separated from Onesimus was so he could receive him back permanently as a dearly loved brother (vv. 15-16).

Perhaps there are people in your circle who committed crimes and need a Savior. When the occasion arises to share Christ to the undeserved, do not shy away. The Holy Spirit is the one who guides the conversation. Plant the seed of salvation by offering Christ to the lost and leave it up to God to save the soul.

Partnership with Believers (Philemon 17-21)

Forgiveness and reconciliation are the key points Paul is concerned about regarding the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. Paul seeks partners in the ministry and requests that Philemon welcomes Onesimus as a partner (v. 17). Paul takes responsibility for the wrongdoing of Onesimus and agreed to pay back everything owed, no matter the cost (v. 18).

In light of this, Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit (Galatians 3:14). His love for us is so amazing in that his death on the cross freed us from sin and eternal death.

Paul reminds Philemon that his very self is owed to Paul’s ministry as a result of his salvation (v. 19). Paul was confident of Philemon’s obedience and knew he would do even more (v. 21). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Does forgiveness and reconciliation matter to God?

Margie Clayton is minister of education at Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas.