Did the Apostle Paul Send Onesimus Back to Philemon as a Slave?

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul did send Onesimus back to Philemon, the letter Philemon provides us with the context and insights into this decision. Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his owner, Philemon, and then encountered Paul, becoming a Christian. As a slave, Onesimus was bound by legal and social constraints. However, as a Christian, Paul sought to transcend these constraints and transform the relationship between master and slave.

Transforming the Master-Slave Dynamic

Paul's letter to Philemon emphasizes the shift from the traditional master-slave relationship to one based on Christian fellowship and reconciliation. In his letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ, not just as a slave. This shift highlights the core tenets of Christianity: forgiveness, mercy, and the equality of believers in the eyes of God. Through these themes, Paul sought to change the nature of the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon.

Paul's Encouragement

Paul's intention was not to send Onesimus back as a slave; rather, he wanted Philemon to see Onesimus in a different light. In Philemon 1:17, Paul writes: “but if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” By appealing to Philemon’s higher calling as a Christian, Paul wished for an outcome that would bring reconciliation and transformation to the relationship.

The Response and Outcome

The response of Philemon is not definitively known. In the Philemon 1:21, it is written that Philemon granted Onesimus freedom and even more: “and you owe it to me, not only in Christian love, but also in what I have bestowed on you in the name of Epaphras.” This indicates that Philemon not only welcomed Onesimus but also freed him of his former bond as a slave. Moreover, Onesimus later became a bishop in the Church, further evidencing the positive impact of Paul’s advocacy.

Paul's Writings on Slavery

While Paul did discuss the topic of slavery in his other writings, he did not explicitly denounce it in the letter to Philemon. In the Epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Romans, Paul addressed the treatment of slaves by masters, emphasizing compassionate and just treatment regardless of one’s faith. However, he did not use these platforms to directly challenge or denounce the institution of slavery in the letter to Philemon.

Some readers have inferred that Paul did not send Onesimus back to Philemon, but this interpretation is not explicitly stated in the text. It is possible that Onesimus left on his own accord, understanding the principles of forgiveness and mercy as explained to him by Paul. Alternatively, he could have returned to Philemon and found favor, as stated in the Philemon 1:21 passage. The exact nature of their reunion remains open to interpretation.

Concluding Thoughts

While the exact outcome is not fully documented, the letter to Philemon serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christian fellowship and the ability to redefine relationships based on faith and mercy. Paul's intention was to bring about a positive change, and the little we know of the outcome suggests that Philemon and Onesimus did indeed find a new, reconciled relationship.

The letter to Philemon remains a pivotal moment in early Christian history, highlighting the struggle between legal and social obligations and the transformative power of faith. It continues to inspire discussions about reconciliation, equality, and the role of Christianity in moral and social issues.