Changes

==Structure and content==

==Structure and content==

The body of the text concerns Onesimus, who is a slave from Colossae who had run away from his master, possibly committing an act of [[theft]] in the process. Onesimus was converted by Paul who then sent him back to his master with the letter asking that he be welcomed willingly, and not just as a slave but as a "brother in Christ" ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philemon%201:16;&version=9; Philemon 1:16]). Paul uses very strong arguments in his appeal and suggests he would like to have Onesimus work with him for the [[gospel]].<ref>[http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/philemon/philemon.htm ''Introduction to the Book of Philemon''] [[New American Bible]]. Accessed 19 March 2008</ref> "When retaken, the slave was usually branded on the forehead, maimed, or forced to fight with wild beasts. Paul asks pardon for the offender, and with a rare tact and utmost delicacy requests his master to receive him kindly as himself. He does not ask expressly that Philemon should emancipate his slave-brother, but "the word emancipation seems to be trembling on his lips, and yet he does not once utter it" (Lightfoot, "Colossians and Philemon", London, 1892, 389)."<ref>"Occasion and purpose" [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11797b.htm ''Epistle to Philemon''] Catholic Encyclopedia. Accessed 19 March 2008</ref> "He does not attack slavery directly, for this is something the Christian communities of the first century were in no position to do, and the expectation that Christ would soon come again militated against social reforms. Yet Paul, by presenting Onesimus as "brother, beloved... to me, but even more so to you", voiced an idea revolutionary in that day and destined to break down worldly barriers of division."<ref>[http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/philemon/philemon.htm ''Introduction to the Book of Philemon''] op cit</ref> Readers today often express shock that Paul never expressly suggests that slavery should be abolished, but Paul in fact does condemn slave trading (along with [[murder]], [[adultery]] and [[deceit|lying]] in [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%201:10;&version=9; 1 Timothy 1:10]). However, he was a teacher of the gospel, rather than a champion of social causes, but still attempts to break slavery "from the inside" by changing the relationship and attitudes involved. This is very clear in his urging of Philemon to see Onesimus as a "brother", not as a piece of property, and speaks of Onesimus as "my son"; "who is dear to me". He knew that eventually such a perspective would undermine the foundations of slavery.<ref>Pawson, J. David ''Unlocking The Bible'' p.1081 ([[London]], Collins; 2003) ISBN 978 0 00 716666 4</ref>   

The body of the text concerns Onesimus, who is a slave from Colossae who had run away from his master, possibly committing an act of [[theft]] in the process. Onesimus was converted by Paul who then sent him back to his master with the letter asking that he be welcomed willingly, and not just as a slave but as a "brother in Christ" ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philemon%201:16;&version=9; Philemon 1:16]). Paul uses very strong arguments in his appeal and suggests he would like to have Onesimus work with him for the [[gospel]].<ref>[http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/philemon/philemon.htm ''Introduction to the Book of Philemon''] [[New American Bible]]. Accessed 19 March 2008</ref> "When retaken, the slave was usually branded on the forehead, maimed, or forced to fight with wild beasts. Paul asks pardon for the offender, and with a rare tact and utmost delicacy requests his master to receive him kindly as himself. He does not ask expressly that Philemon should emancipate his slave-brother, but "the word emancipation seems to be trembling on his lips, and yet he does not once utter it" (Lightfoot, "Colossians and Philemon", London, 1892, 389)."<ref>"Occasion and purpose" [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11797b.htm ''Epistle to Philemon''] Catholic Encyclopedia. Accessed 19 March 2008</ref> "He does not attack slavery directly, for this is something the Christian communities of the first century were in no position to do, and the expectation that Christ would soon come again militated against social reforms. Yet Paul, by presenting Onesimus as "brother, beloved... to me, but even more so to you", voiced an idea revolutionary in that day and destined to break down worldly barriers of division."<ref>[http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/philemon/philemon.htm ''Introduction to the Book of Philemon''] op cit</ref> Readers today often express shock that Paul never expressly suggests that slavery should be abolished, but Paul in fact does condemn slave trading (along with [[murder]], [[adultery]] and [[deceit|lying]] in [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%201:10;&version=9; 1 Timothy 1:10]). However, he was a teacher of the gospel, rather than a champion of social causes, but still attempts to break slavery "from the inside" by changing the relationship and attitudes involved. This is very clear in his urging of Philemon to see Onesimus as a "brother", not as a piece of property, and speaks of Onesimus as "my son"; "who is dear to me". He knew that eventually such a perspective would undermine the foundations of slavery.<ref>Pawson, J. David ''Unlocking The Bible'' p.1081 ([[London]], Collins; 2003) ISBN 978 0 00 716666 4</ref>  He also states that if Onesimus stole anything from Philemon during his escape, to charge it against his account (and not Onesimus').  Paul closes with greetings from those who are with him, some of whom are also prisoners like him, and he blesses Philemon. He asks that grace will be in Philemon's life and with these final words, Paul reminds Philemon that just as God has loved him freely, so Philemon must love other people in the same way as God loves him.

Paul closes with greetings from those who are with him, some of whom are also prisoners like him, and he blesses Philemon. He asks that grace will be in Philemon's life and with these final words, Paul reminds Philemon that just as God has loved him freely, so Philemon must love other people in the same way as God loves him.

==See also==

==See also==