PATCH Posted June 15, 2010 Report Share Posted June 15, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Slavery was an accepted practice in those days. Onesimus had no right to run away. Paul wants Onesimus to go back to Philemon so that he can ask Philemon for forgiveness and for Philemon to extend mercy and forgiveness in turn. Both will learn that since they are in Christ, they are new creations and brothers even though one is a rich master and the other his slave. Onesimus will also learn that as a slave, he has to honor his master. When he learns obedience, he honors God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylverd Posted June 15, 2010 Report Share Posted June 15, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? I believe to reconcile the two together. We dont know if he lost his freedom or gained it! We surely know he gained his freedom thru Christ Jesus! Although it is a possibility that Philemon may have very well have physically kept him as a slave we certainly know his spirit was free indeed! The necessity arises from both men, Onesimus and Paul relying on the everlasting love of Christ and knowing love conquers all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda bass Posted June 15, 2010 Report Share Posted June 15, 2010 Paul sends Onesimus back because he has become a Christian through Paul's ministry. It is necessary for Paul to do this for Onesimus to be reconciled with his master Philemon. It is necessary for Onesimus to return to his master Philemon in order to make amends for running away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted June 15, 2010 Report Share Posted June 15, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon to pay anything that he still owes as he is a runaway slave and may still owe a debt. Paul want Onesimus to not only be free physically but also to be free spiritually. He must reconcile anything which is not truthful in order to be truly free. Paul know Philemon has become a Christian and thus pray that he will treat Onesimus fairly and with Christian love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanie123 Posted June 15, 2010 Report Share Posted June 15, 2010 Depending on the reason Onesimus left in the first place, He needed to go back to set things right with his master at any cost. Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him but he knew that even though Onesimus became a christian he still belonged to his master. That would not be a good example to the other brothers that were with Paul. Onesimus had to make peace with his master, his master could free him to evangelize, or his master could have him killed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted June 18, 2010 Report Share Posted June 18, 2010 That is where Onesimus belongs--he actually belongs to Philemon. Paul needs to send him back as a brother--where he belongs. Onesimus needs to do this to show his changed heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoiKosum Posted June 19, 2010 Report Share Posted June 19, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Based on theory that Onesimus was a runaway slave, then Paul had no choice but to send Onesimus back to Philemon his master. This was the law at that time and Paul had to obey it. Onesimus also had to go back in obedience to the law. Submission to the law of the land was important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csreeves Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? To encourage purpose about what is going on with Paul and to encourage your hearts. He is faithful and reliable and solid who is committed to the mission: (1) to relay info and (2) a great encourager to stay in touch and be touched by Christ's work around the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted June 23, 2010 Report Share Posted June 23, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? The bigger picture here is the witness of two Christians and the work they share in Kingdom building. Paul and Philemon must work this out in spiritual wisdom and understanding without division that could destroy the home church and relationship with Paul. Apparently Onesimus is the slave of Philemon thus having legal entitlement over him. I believe that Paul deems it the right thing to do in having Onesimus return to his master Philemon. The Christian witness here is important. I believe it is necessary for Onesimus to return to Philemon to resume his duties for however long as a witness for Jesus Christ as well as a brother Christian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissioned Posted June 29, 2010 Report Share Posted June 29, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? In Paul's words he says that Onesimus had become useful to both Philemon and Paul. This usefulness will guarantee his freedom. Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? It was necessary for Paul to do this because as a slave, Onesimus rightful place was to be in the employ of his master, Philemon. Paul wanted all parties to dowhat was the Christian thing to do. Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? As a Christian, going back and submitting to his master was in keeping with Christian virtues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaiden Rochelle Posted June 29, 2010 Report Share Posted June 29, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon because Onesimus was still a slave. Only this time, Onesimus and Philemon can work together for God since Onesimus was a new Christian. They can be like "iron sharpening iron." It is necessary for Paul to do this because Onesimus was still technically Philemon's property and also so that Philemon could see the change in Onesimus. Onesimus needed to see that it is the inward transformation that God is interested in. No matter what situation he faced, he needed to know that God was with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saja3 Posted August 26, 2010 Report Share Posted August 26, 2010 Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon because he is following the rules of Christian living "Slaves obey your earthly masters". So therefore, he is sending Onesimus back to make amends. It is necessary for Onesimus to comply to show his obedience to the Word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted September 6, 2010 Report Share Posted September 6, 2010 Answer.In sending back Onesimus,Paul is emphasizing the virtue of Forgiveness,and reconciliation,although in Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelOnLine Posted September 19, 2010 Report Share Posted September 19, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? To make things right with his Master, Philemon. Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? To follow the Christian teachings of forgiveness. Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? To settle a dispute with his former Master. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest genevieve gilroy Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Philemon needs to confess he now has a new faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highohfaith Posted January 1, 2011 Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Onesimus is a former slave of Philemon's who has run away and somehow connected with Paul while Paul was a prisoner in Rome ( 1000 miles and many a weeks journey) There he has been converted and has accepted Christ. He desires to go back to his master to make amends, and aid in spreading the Gospel to Philemon's Church which is in the house of Apphia ( which possibly could be Philemon wife-we don't know this for sure) Paul's letter in written to intercede for Onesimus. Paul feels it is necessary to do this because Onesimus belongs to Philemon and it is the right thing to do and Onesimus desires to return and make amends.Paul also loves Onesimus and has adopted him as his son in Christ. He feels Onesimus was once "useless" to Philemon but could now, as a Christian follower be very useful. 1:12 I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 1:13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 1:14 But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 1:15 For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 1:16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leihaynes Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? 1. Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Because reconcilliation is needed and now that he is a new Christian one more added to the family is one more to help with the gospel. 2. Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? To show the love of Christ. 3. Why is it necessary of Onesimus to do this? So he can be a help to spreading the gospel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wifee Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 1a)Probably to help Onesimus a run-away slave,now a Christian to be reconciled with his master Philemon,the right thing to do following his conversion to confess sin &seek restoration even if become a slave again. Other view suggested that Paul is asked by Philemon,to mediate between him & Onesimus over a dispute that arose. B)It would create a natural opportunity for their relationship to be restored as brothers in Christ, without being forced to. Paul couldn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinstonY Posted February 5, 2015 Report Share Posted February 5, 2015 Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Firstly it seems as if this is what Paul ethically thinks that he should do. In the first century anybody with means has a slave. Fully thirty percent of the population was enslaved. To Paul, having Onesimus with him was without permission was like having Philemon's property without permission. Legally Paul was to send the slave back regardless of how useful he was to Paul. Paul is very supportive of the Roman Law. He writes in Ephesians 6.5 " Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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