Philemon Paul's View Of Slavery

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Assignment 6.1 The New Testament contrasts a bit with the Old Testament as it pertains to the subject of slavery and seems to take a backseat or a secondary focus in the New Testament writings. While slavery is not focused upon as much in the Ne Testament, it is still mentioned and spoken about. For instance, in the gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, Slavery is spoken of as a normal part of society. The mentioning of slaves and their place in everyday life was common and Jesus Himself referenced slaves many times in parables. Slavery was so commonplace and usual, that using such allegories was an easy way to help the people understand the message that Jesus was preaching. But while Jesus spoke on slavery, His message never denounced or permitted. In the book of Philemon Paul addresses the issue of the slave and owner relationship and expresses the change in a person when believing in Jesus Christ. It would seem that Paul wished for Philemon to release Onesimus as he asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as a “beloved brother” but He did not …show more content…

But to fully grasp the entire surrounding context we must look at more verses in this chapter, to enable us to have a better understanding of what is going on here. In verses 1-4 the writer of Acts is writing to Theophilus and is speaking in the past tense about a time when Jesus was sharing with His disciples about the coming of the Holy spirit or the “promise of the Father.” This promise of God would not be accomplished until Jesus ascended into heaven. Then, in verse nine, Jesus ascends into heaven and in verse eleven the disciples’ question is somewhat answered when the men in robes say, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into

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