Today's Passage: Philemon 1

The book of Philemon is so interesting.  It is obviously a short letter from Paul regarding the return of a slave, Onesimus, to his master Philemon.  The interesting part is that both Colossians and Ephesians contain what Paul believed to be God's mandates for the master/slave relationship.  Both of which were written between 60 & 61 AD.  The book of Philemon was also written some time between 60 & 61 AD. One could assume that the situation with Philemon and Onesimus was likely the cause for Paul to prayerfully approach God about the master/slave relationship and how that fits into a our personal relationship with Christ. 

Paul's words here are important for us not in regards to slaves, but instead for anyone that God puts under our authority.  This could be employees, children, teammates, or anyone that provides us a service.  We are called to humbly see them as siblings in the family of our God.  This is to be shown in everything that we do.