The Epistle of Paul to Philemon, perhaps because it is such a brief letter, is often overlooked by people who otherwise take a keen interest in reading and studying the Bible. This is unfortunate. There is much for the contemporary church to learn from what Paul wrote, even though the letter has to do with slavery, which we no longer have to deal with.

It appears at first sight to be so personal that it cannot have general application. But we should note that Paul is writing to Philemon about the social ramifications of spiritual renewal, the relationship between an individual and the community of faith to which he belongs, and how to bridge the social, cultural, and generational gaps that so bedevil our culture and churches.