Only letter we have like this of what would have been a vast writing of Paul’s.

Who are these characters? Philemon is thought to be a well to do businessman. Apphia was his wife and Archippus was their son. He was involved in ministry in Laodicea and well as Colossae (Collosians 4:16-17).

Onesimus, one of Philemons slaves, not a great one (verse 11). May have robbed him! (verse 18).

Only freedom he could hope to enjoy...an existence on the run, shifting with the shadows. What would you do in such desperation? Had he heard of Paul? He goes and finds the man who would become his spiritual father (verse 10). He had to go back and face the music. He could expect punishment, even death.

He goes back, knowledge of a Christian companion (Col. 4:16-17). The letter they are carrying and the knowledge of the benevolence of his master (verse 4-7).

Heart of the letter verse 16. ‘no longer a slave’

We require to realise that we cannot just have freedom bestowed on us, we must exercise that freedom.

We require to realise the transformation that happens here.

And not miss the enormity of it.

What was being achieved everywhere was the founding of little oasis where an alternative way of life could be lived out day by day. And observed!

For Paul there is a clear line between the world and the church. A world of decay, and a Church of hope!

Christians are called to be active in this world as peacemakers; the church is to be a community of peace in a world at war.

We have to live within social structures that are unjust and unequal. Our presence within it as salt and light should help change structures.

The power of the gospel in the local church to bring back hope into a world increasingly without it.