A dominant theme
is how a hierarchical structure
can (or even if it should) exist within the body of Christ. The master/slave
relationship was rarely seen as reciprocal though there may have been leeway as
regards the rights of slaves (Gorman, 7-8). But, what I think we see is Paul’s
pressing for Onesimus’s freedom. For instance, Paul’s strong and consistent use
of “in Christ” applies here because Paul can claim that he is “bold enough in Christ to command you to do your
duty,” thus seeming to imply that both master and slave are ‘in Christ’ and
that Paul is as well: this is fitting as love is a grand Pauline theme (1 Cor.
13), and he consistently applies his principle here in a sensitive situation. Indeed,
Paul’s claim for Philemon to “refresh my heart in Christ” may place the abolition of slavery directly within the
freedom the Gospel offers (c.f. the “in Christ” language of Gal. 3:28). When
there are no divisions within the body of Christ, we must then ask why the
church attempts to perpetuate such division in—for example—excluding women from
the pulpit, and why our individual churches do not include minorities in
positions of equal standing in the Church.
The character of the Church (and
Paul is writing to a church here! See v.1-2) is one of participation in unity,
where there is no slave or free in Christ. Paul’s advocacy for Onesimus seems
to open up a seat at the table of fellowship.
NQ
