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TLDR: We are to guide each other using Paul’s example of being grounded in Christ.

When I preached on Sunday, I wanted to be clear about a couple of things: the social order for Christians in the Ancient Near Eastern culture was being shifted, however, it was being shifted slowly. It was necessary for Philemon to embrace his brother in Christ Onesimus so that they could grow in their faith. This happened throughout the Christian world. When I was studying the scriptures from the week, I learned about a non-canonical book written by Pliny the Younger where he instructs a former enslaver, Sabinianus, on how to treat his now employee.

I took an online course from N.T. Wright where I learned a great deal about Philemon and Pliny the Younger. For instance, Pliny the Younger was a Roman Senator and lawyer.

The letter is non-canonical, which means that we do not have it as part of our Bibles, however, studying this scripture alongside Philemon helped me realize how slow the change happened as well as how bold Paul was in his request. This quote (translated by N.T. Wright) summarizes things nicely,

Yes, I know you are angry; and I know, too, that you have a right to be angry. But mercy earns most praise when anger is fully justified. Once you loved this fellow, and I hope you will love him again; for the moment, it’s enough if you let yourself be placated. You can always be angry again if he deserves it, and you’ll have all the more reason if you’ve been placated now. He’s young, he’s in tears, and you have a kind heart—make all that count. Don’t torture him, and don’t torture yourself either; anger is always torture for a soft heart like yours.^[1]

When Paul made his request to Philemon he was both more direct and less direct. Paul was explicit on his reasoning and less heavy handed. He was direct in giving Sabinianus an order, however, he did so for Sabinianus’ own sake rather than Christ’s sake. Pliny, who is not a contemporary of Paul, does not appeal to the faith of Jesus as directly as Paul does.

I believe we need to follow Paul’s example in leadership.

Today, thousands of years later (over a hundred years since the abolition of slavery in our own country), we recognize the evil nature of slavery. Still, there are issues that divide us and we need good leaders to navigate these difficult times. It is for this reason that I am grateful for my colleagues, Fr. Roldan and Fr. Pinzon, who use a gentle way of guiding us from one path to the next.

^[1] Read this text at the course where I retrieved this information: Wright, .N.T. Udemy Course: Philemon. https://www.udemy.com/share/101qEI3@VHWgUrMcpuWSRX6RLGcgoyyz6HXUReaxx2pV3m6sZW7cuz5dMxINBiW1WbcLKn0=/