Dr Paul Allen

So what about Philemon? Often he is trotted out at as the token New Testament slave owner. Godly—after all, the church met in his home—friends with Paul, and most certainly a slave owner. The argument, as some make it, is that because Paul does not command Philemon to release Onesimus, then slavery must be totes cool for Christians. Here is the truth: while the message of Philemon is more profound than simply “slavery is bad,” the book does present some uncomfortable truths for both sides of today’s social justice debate. The background: Philemon was a church leader in Colossae. He owned slaves, one of whom ran away, apparently after stealing something from Philemon. Somehow this slave, Onesimus, met Paul in Rome and was converted, and eventually became valuable to Paul as a ministry partner. Paul then found himself in a bind. Should he send Onesimus back to Philemon, and risk losing one of his ministry partners? Or should he keep him and risk offending Philemon, should he ever fin...

Philemon (New Testament person) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Does Christian brotherly love really work, even in situations of extraordinary tension and difficulty? Will it work, for example, between a prominent slave owner and one of his runaway slaves? Paul had no doubt. The apostle writes a “postcard” to Philemon , his beloved brother and fellow worker, on behalf of Onesimus —a deserter, thief, and formerly worthless slave, but after his conversion in Rome , now Philemon’s brother in Christ . With much tact and tenderness, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back with the same gentleness with which he would receive Paul himself. Ordinarily, a runaway slave would be treated harshly; but Paul carefully reminds Philemon that, in Christ, he is now a fellow heir to the grace of God. Any debt Onesimus owes, Paul promises to make good. Knowing Philemon well, Paul feels confident that brotherly love and forgiveness will carry the day. Philemon was likely one of Paul’s converts and ha...

Un divorce, roman de Paul Bourget (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “What can I do?” when reconciliation with the offended partner is impossible. This, of course, begs the question, What have you done? which must be addressed before an adequate answer can be given. Indeed, in considering these questions, it is impossible to give specific answers to each case. Therefore, it is better to follow the way of Scripture and look for principles that will give guidance to those who ask, “What can I do that will honor God and make amends to one whom I have wronged?” The first problem concerns one’s relationships with God . The Scriptures are clear that the marriage of one man and one women until death is a divine arrangement (Gen. 2:23–24; Matt. 19:4–6; Eph. 5:31). Only God gives the offended party permission for divorce in certain circumstances ( Matt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 7:15). Marriage is God’s covenant ( Prov. 2:17), and the one who divorces unbiblically offends the honor of God. There are tw...

Image via Wikipedia Image via Wikipedia "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." ( Hebrews 3:13 )   The fascinating word rendered "exhort" (Greek  para-kaleo ) in our text verse, elsewhere translated "comfort," "beseech," etc., literally means "call alongside."   For example, note  2 Corinthians 1:4 : "| God | comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Also look at Paul's appeal to Philemon . "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus , whom I have begotten in my bonds" ( Philemon 10 ). Such words as "desire," "entreat," and "pray" are also used.   The unusual importance of the word is pointed up by the fact that its noun form ( parakletos ) is used as one of the titles of God the Holy Spirit ....