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Philemon  Absurdities Language  Injustice  Interpretation  Good Stuff SAB Bookstore Encyclopedia Articles Other Versions  Get the SABon CD |
"The bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother." -- Philemon 7
Philemon for SkepticsThis short letter was written by Paul to his slave-owner friend, Philemon. Paul was writing about Onesimus, who he had recently converted, and who happened to also be a runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Since Paul was in a position of authority in the church, this would have been a great opportunity for him (and God) to condemn slavery -- if he (and God) had anything against it, that is. But apparently he didn't. Instead he returned the slave to his owner without so much as a word against the institution of slavery. The only other thing of interest in this letter is the rather strange expression, "refresh my bowels in the Lord." Okay, I know that Paul's bowel trouble is mostly just an artifact of the King James translation. But it sounds too darned funny to pass up. |