After reading Philemon I was confused as to why it was in the Bible. It seems like it is just another letter whereas I don’t see specific theological importance for the inclusion of this book. As such, I want to know what I am missing as clearly there is a reason why the book is in the Bible.
I looked up the intoductions from the JB and the CCB. Slavery was legal.
…
The short letter Paul wrote at about the same time as Col and Ep is to tell Philemon of Colossae, v.19, one of Paul’s converts, that Onesimus, a runaway slave belonging to Philemon, and also one of Paul’s converts, had returned. It is a very short note, and Paul wrote it in his own handwriting, v. 19. The letter reveals a gentle, affectionate side of the apostle, and also shows how he applies his views on slavery to a particular case, Rm 6:15+: as far as society is concerned, the master still owns his slave, but the two of them should remember that they are brothers serving the same Master, v. 16; cf. Col 3:22; 4:1.
…
Philemon from Colossae has a slave named Onesimus: a typical name for a slave since Onesimus means “useful” (v. 11). Onesimus escapes and goes to Rome where he expects to disappear in the crowd. Accidentally, or luckily, he meets Paul whom he had known in his master’s house. At this point, Paul is imprisoned in Rome, but enjoys certain privileges enabling him to go out in the company of a policeman. Onesimus is converted and baptized; then Paul makes him go back to his former master with the letter of recommendation that we read here.
Paul asks that the slave be seen as a brother, and even suggests that the slave be freed (v. 21).
We have already seen the advice Paul gives to slaves in Col 3:22. In those first years of the Church, obtaining God’s life in Christ seemed such a tremendous privilege, providing such inner freedom, that being a slave or being free did not greatly matter (see 1 Cor 7:17).
At that time no one thought that a change of social structure was feasible: there were slaves and there would always be slaves. The Christians were few and without any influence. Thus, they were not concerned about reforming society, nor about laws to eliminate slavery. Even before the time it became necessary to think about changing the laws, faith was already against treating slaves as “objects” or inferiors: because they were Christians, an increasing number of masters - in the Church - spontaneously renounced their rights and granted freedom to their slaves.
Many people think that the Christian community has nothing to say concerning their responsibilities to society. Here, on the contrary, we see how Paul involves the whole community in Philemon’s problem.
