SUMMARY
Although the exact nature of Philemon’s “good deed” is left ambiguous in the letter, it may be related to the work that OnesimusSlave of Philemon for whom Paul appealed in his Letter to Philemon. More and PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. More could do together if Onesimus left Philemon’s householdA household is a living unit comprised of all the persons who live in one house. A household would embrace all the members of a family, including servants and slaves. In the book of Acts, stories are told of various persons and their households, like... More to join Paul for a longer term.
ANALYSIS
One of the most puzzling aspects of Paul’s letter to Philemon is that the letter leaves ambiguous to later readers what it is that Paul wants from Philemon. What is Philemon’s “duty” that Paul could command him to do (verse 8)? In verses 13-14, Paul says, “I wanted to keep [Onesimus] with me…, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent….” Perhaps Paul is hoping that Philemon will give Onesimus leave to exit his household and work with Paul, providing for the apostle’s needs and/or being his hands and feet in mission work while Paul remains imprisoned. If it is the case that Paul wants Philemon to give his permission for Onesimus to work with Paul, does this permission include freedom for Onesimus or continued enslavement in a new location? The letter does not say.
From this portion of the letter, it is clear that Paul believes there is something that Philemon should do, some duty that he should perform, a “good deed” (verse 14). Paul does not want to force the good deed. Though he is “bold enough in Christ” to do so (verse 8), he prefers that the deed flow from love rather than duty.
