Episode 71: A loving twist of the arm

The shortest of Paul’s letters was written to a prominent member of the Colossian church, a man named Philemon. One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, had run away, and by law, Philemon had the right to see him punished or even executed. But Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. How should Paul handle the situation? In this episode, we explore how Paul’s words in Colossians 3:22-25 should be read in tandem with his letter to Philemon.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)