From Useless to Useful

In this heart-tugging message from Paul's only recorded personal letter, we see his kindhearted, tactful and intercessional side in writing to the slave master Philemon concerning his fugitive slave Onesimus.

• What lessons can we learn from this short story?
• How were slaves treated in the Roman Empire?
• How did one become a slave?
• What legal rights did they have?
• What happened to runaways and those who might try to shelter them?

How does all this illustrate the process of redemption from our slavery to sin and debt to God?