✝️ New Testament
Hard
How does the Apostle Paul's appeal to Philemon concerning Onesimus challenge or subvert the social norms and legal structures of the Roman world in the 1st century AD?
A
Paul directly condemns the institution of slavery as inherently evil and demands Philemon's immediate compliance with Roman law regarding manumission.
B
Paul subtly advocates for a revised understanding of Christian brotherhood that transcends the master-slave relationship, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ, thereby undermining the social hierarchy.
C
Paul strategically uses Onesimus as a political pawn, attempting to incite a slave rebellion that would destabilize the Roman Empire and advance the cause of Christianity.
D
Paul primarily focuses on the economic benefits of freeing Onesimus, arguing that a free Christian worker would be more productive and contribute more to the church's financial stability.
Reference: Philemon 1:8-20