The case of Onesimos: an interpretation of Paul's letter to Philemon based on documentary papyri and ostraca
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimos "as myself". Paul wants Philemon to entrust his slave with a responsible task and even to make him a business partner. Although this may sound like something tremendous to our ears today, it was not within the vast and manifold field of ancient slaver...
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Ed. Dehoniane
2001
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| In: |
Annali di storia dell'esegesi
Year: 2001, Volume: 18, Issue: 2, Pages: 589-614 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Philemon
/ Historical background
B Onesimus, Heiliger, Biblische Person / Slavery / Primitive Christianity / New Testament / Greek language / Handwriting |
| RelBib Classification: | HC New Testament HH Archaeology TB Antiquity ZB Sociology |
| Further subjects: | B
Ostrakon
B Philemon |
| Summary: | Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimos "as myself". Paul wants Philemon to entrust his slave with a responsible task and even to make him a business partner. Although this may sound like something tremendous to our ears today, it was not within the vast and manifold field of ancient slavery. What is more extraordinary is the fact, that Philemon is asked to grant and transfer such rights and duties to a slave who does not seem to deserve such fundamental confidence, who - until recently - seemed to be "useless" and obviously once more is just about to return home from roaming around. At least the case of Epagathos suggests, that such a demand was not to be regarded as completely impossible or insane. Moreover, Paul does not refer merely to religious feelings or convictions, but also to everyday life as a whole. And, as the final verses of Philem. show, Paul was quite serious about his demand. To underline it he even offers to settle the costs eventually caused by Onesimos's comportment (v.18), and at the same time he insinuates that he will come and see himself what Philemon had chosen to do (v.22). |
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| ISSN: | 1120-4001 |
| Contains: | In: Annali di storia dell'esegesi
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