The Slave: An Incredible Journey

By George Truett Moore

THE SLAVE, An Incredible Journey, is the story of a man whose name appears only twice in Scripture.
He was a slave of a leader in the Early Church, but ran away and ended up in Rome where,he meets and
comes under the infl uence of the Apostle Paul. Later, Paul sends him back to his master. The name of
the slave, Onesimus, means useful. Paul notes that Onesimus was useful to him and would be useful
to his Lord. Therein lies a story, an almost unbelievable story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465309068

George Truett Moore

THE REVEREND George Truett Moore, a native of South Carolina and a graduate of Clemson University’s School of Architecture, served in World War II as a Corps of Engineer Officer. He practiced Architecture until he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary, graduating with “Highest Honors in New Testament Studies.” He was a Missionary Builder, Liberia, West Africa, and a Lutheran Pastor for over Fifty Years. He is an accomplished actor, having played the role of over twenty biblical characters. He is a well known writer. This book on the life of Mark, is his seventh.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by George Truett Moore.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011961261

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4653-0905-1

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4653-0904-4

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-0906-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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Contents

REVIEWS

Introduction

Prologue

BOOK ONE

The Slave

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

BOOK TWO

The Slave Set Free

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

REVIEWS

An inspiring and thought-provoking story of a useful slave whom God used to lead the early church, share Christ’s love and transcend boundaries. Rev. Moore’s book brings this useful slave, Onesimus, to life, imaginatively revealing Christ’s work in an amazing way, through the life, gifts, and faith of a humble servant, embodying what the Scripture passage really means: There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Reverend David R. Keck, Jr., Pastor,

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory, North Carolina.

*     *     *

The Slave leads it’s readers on a journey through the struggles and triumphs of the early church, through the life of a slave whom God chooses to spread God’s Word. On this journey readers will find themselves challenged to live out their own faith courageously and faithfully. The Slave brings the stories of our Mothers and Fathers in the faith to vibrant full-color life.

Ingrid Chenoweth—Director of Youth and Family Ministry,

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dallas, North Carolina; Senior Class Student,

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina

*     *     *

When reading The Slave, An Incredible Journey, one feels like they are there. Pastor George Moore has the unique ability to put flesh on the bones of the biblical characters. And bringing them to life allows one to truly connect with the humanness and their stories having ongoing relevance for the Bible reader of today.

Susan Peterson—Retired Special Needs Educator,

Granite Falls, North Carolina

*     *     *

This book transported me back in time and place to enliven the reading of Scripture. When I finished this useful book, I quickly recommended it to my 18 year old son and my Pastor husband.

Karen Birkedal—Christian Educator,

Hickory, North Carolina

*     *     *

Once again Pastor Moore has brought the characters to life and you feel you are actually part of the book, an amazing writer with a gift to present the Bible stories and characters like you’ve never heard them before. Pastor Moore continues to use his God-given talents of writing and story-telling when others his age would just sit back and say, Let someone else do it. Thanks Pastor Moore

Penny Lineberger, Activity Specialist,

Lutheran Homes of Hickory, North Carolina

*     *     *

OTHER BOOKS BY GEORGE TRUETT MOORE

PREACHING IS DRAMA

THE SCROLLS

EXALTED FATHER

LUKE

DAVID

This book is dedicated

with love and appreciation

to my wife of sixty-nine years,

Elizabeth Stevens Moore,

whose encouragement, assistance

and helpful suggestions

enriched the writing.

Cover art by Elizabeth

APPRECIATION

My sincere thanks to Dave, Ingrid,

Susan, Karen, and Penny

for their willingness

to spend time and thought

in reviews, comments,

suggestions and encouragement.

Introduction

The Apostle Paul is generally accepted as the author of thirteen books in the New Testament. The established Canon lists all thirteen as Paul’s writing. All are letters, or Epistles, with most being addressed to churches. However, four are addressed to three individuals, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Those to Timothy and to Titus are referred to as pastoral letters, giving instructions for their conduct as pastors and teachers. He adds suggestions for dealing with false teachings, as well as for confronting those who want to cling to the old rules and regulations under the Law.

The fourth letter, the one addressed to Philemon, is different. It is addressed to a friend, a leader in the church located in the city of Colossae. The subject of the letter is a slave by the name of Onesimus. Paul is sending Onesimus back because he belongs to Philemon. He would rather keep him, but Philemon is his master.

The letter contains no doctrine, no theology, no instructions for Christian conduct, other than his desire to have him receive his runaway slave as a brother in Christ. At the end of the letter Paul sends greetings from some other coworkers in Rome.

This unique letter raises a lot of questions. Why was Onesimus a slave? Why did he run away? How did he manage to travel, most likely by sea, over 1500 miles to Rome? How did he manage to run into and meet Paul in a city of a million people? What happened when he returned to Philemon, if he did return? In the Roman Empire runaway slaves were treated harshly, sometimes killed.

In the New Testament the name Onesimus is mentioned only twice, once in Paul’s letter to Philemon and once in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. However, the names appear once more, some years later. The name Onesimus is found in a letter written by a Post-Apostolic father named Ignatius. It is a letter written as he was being escorted to Rome for execution, a letter addressed to the church in Ephesus. He writes and speaks highly of a man by the name of Onesimus, the Bishop of Ephesus. That is exciting! There is a story here, a story worth telling.

Prologue

The cold wind sweeping down the Lycus Valley was the first warning of winter. Most of the leaves were already down. The bare limbs of the trees lining the riverbanks were evidence of that. However, the winds that had stripped the leaves away were cool, not cold. This new wind was brutal. There would soon be snow on the mountain peaks.

On the south side of the river, just above its junction with the larger Maeander, the residents of two communities were scurrying about in preparation for what was coming. The larger of the two cities, Laodicea, had more resources in dealing with community concerns. It was a financial center and the wool industry, one of its assets, was widely known. The smaller of the two, Colossae, had a garment industry, but little more. As the Greek empire declined, so did Colossae. There was little improvement under the Romans. Laodicea prospered more than Colossae.

However, with the onslaught of winter, size made little difference. The problem for everyone was warmth, and the means of obtaining it. Wood and charcoal were in great demand. There was oil for lamps, but that produced more smoke than heat.

The wealthy had little trouble. They purchased wood and charcoal, or their slaves were busy bringing such in from the nearby forests. There was a constant haze over the woods; charcoal burners at work.

For the poor it was a different matter. Fathers, mothers and children were kept busy scouring for both fuel and food. Some sought handouts in the town’s market place, the agora, but there was little to share in the cold of winter. There was another option, but it demanded a difficult choice, slavery. A family, or a family member, could be purchased. The educated, the skilled, or the very strong would bring a higher price. In such transactions most everyone benefited. The exception would be slavery under cruel and oppressive masters. Slaves were property and could be treated harshly.

Some distance down from Colossae, at the far end of a rural lane laced with mud and icy puddles, one family was discussing such a possibility. There were three children in the family, a son and two younger daughters. The mother was expecting another and was nearing delivery.

There was food for the moment and there was charcoal for the stove and braziers. The father, Nicodemus, was a woodsman and a burner of charcoal. The food was a hare he had trapped the day before.

However, there was that decision to be reached. They were destitute. They did have a goat providing a small amount of milk, but they needed grain for cereal and bread. The sale of what little charcoal the father could spare would bring only a few copper coins.

There was a benefactor in Colossae; one Nicodemus had worked for in the past. He and his oldest child, the son, had helped line a courtyard with stones quarried from the nearby mountain. The wealthy owner was both generous and kind. His slaves were treated well. Perhaps he would be willing to purchase their son.

The question was discussed one evening, after the children were in bed, Nicodemus, asking his wife’s opinion, received an emphatic No! Abigail wanted no part in selling her son into slavery. However, before the lamp was extinguished, and after more conversation, Abigail finally agreed to ask the son what he thought.

Their son, now in his seventeenth year, was strong and able. He began life as a big healthy baby. At his birth both mother and father were confident he would be most helpful in years to come. They named him for that anticipated usefulness. They named him Onesimus.

BOOK ONE

The Slave

Chapter 1

On the first day of one of the coldest weeks of the winter, Nicodemus finally found courage to go into Colossae. He and his son would go and talk to the wealthy landowner, the one they had worked for the previous summer. It was the last thing Nicodemus and Abigail wanted to do, but in response to his parent’s questions, Onesimus was excited. He was willing. He saw it as a big adventure, something a young man could do for his family.

It was a cold and disappointing walk. The man was not at home. They were told that their master, Philemon, was away at a meeting in Laodicea and would not return before the ninth hour. It would be a long wait, but Nicodemus was determined. Torn between necessity and reluctance, he knew the matter must be settled. There was a small fire in the corner of the courtyard, a fire protected from the cold wind. They were invited to sit nearby.

From time to time one or more of the servants, or slaves, would hurry across the courtyard. There were several buildings on three sides with the fourth side open. It faced the distant river. From what Nicodemus and his son could see and smell, one building was the kitchen. The odor coming out of the opened door was tantalizing. They were hungry!

As the sun reached its zenith, several young women crossed the stone terrace, carrying trays of hot food. The steam was rising, blown by the wind coming across the courtyard. They were headed for the main house.

An hour later, as the girls were returning with half empty trays, an older man approached Nicodemus and Onesimus.

Sirs, I know you must be hungry and my master would be offended if we did not show hospitality. If you will come with me, I will see that you are fed.

Father and son jumped to their feet. They bowed and followed the man to the kitchen. Seated in one corner of the warm building, they were served meat, lentils, cheeses and bread, more than they had ever seen at one time. However, before they could take their first bite, the man who had invited them in, held up his hand.

First we must thank our Lord for this food. Let us pray.

Puzzled by the interruption, Nicodemus and Onesimus looked at each other. Many people prayed to the gods, or offered sacrifices to the gods. Such things had to do with illnesses, or protection in travels, or wars, but not for eating. This was different. The words were different. He called the god father. The man was thanking this god, this father, for the food they were about to eat. As the prayer ended their host smiled and encouraged them to eat.

I trust you will enjoy your meal. It has been blessed by the One who provides for and meets all our needs.

Then, noticing their puzzled expressions, his smile turned into laughter.

"My friends, we believe in the true God who created us and who provides daily gifts for us. It is to him we offer our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Our owner, Philemon, is a believer. That’s why he goes to Laodicea on the first day of some weeks. We have an ecclesia here in Colossae and we want to establish one in Laodicea. He meets with a small group of men and women, helping teach them about our Lord. Now please eat. You may remain here when you finish. He will send for you when he returns."

They wasted no time. However, as they were eating, Onesimus asked his father about an ecclesia. He had never heard the word. Nicodemus shook his head. He did not know.

Two hours later one of the younger women bowed to Nicodemus and Onesimus, asking them to follow her. They crossed the courtyard and entered the lower level of the house. Going down a long corridor, the girl stopped at the last door on the right and knocked. From inside they heard a loud voice.

Please come in.

As they entered the room they could feel the heat rising from two large braziers. Standing in between was a tall man, Philemon.

He stepped forward and greeted them.

I remember you. You are Nicodemus and this is your son Onesimus. You did some fine stone work for me this past summer, or could it have been two summers ago? Time passes so rapidly and I forget. But please sit down and tell me why you have come. My man Festus tells me you came earlier in the day and you wanted to wait until I returned. You’ve had a long wait. It must be important. Tell me.

"My lord, I have three children and my wife will deliver a fourth child very soon. I work in the woods, making charcoal. I can do stone work, but that is summer work. We have little to eat and the charcoal work brings in very little money.

We did not come to beg, but to make an offer. Our oldest child, our son Onesimus, is growing into manhood. He is strong and healthy and… .

Philemon raised his hand and stopped Nicodemus. He was sure he knew what was coming and that disturbed him.

My good man, are you offering your own son to me? You are willing to have him be my slave? Slaves are purchased or inherited, but to give up one’s son is a terrible sacrifice. Do you realize what you are doing?

Before Nicodemus could respond, Philemon turned away and looked up, staring at the ceiling. That morning they had talked about a father giving up his son, the heavenly Father giving up his only son. There was no buying, but there was a price paid by both Father and Son. For Philemon it was a very emotional moment. Finally, he looked at his visitors and repeated his question.

Sir, do you know what you are doing?

Puzzled by Philemon’s actions, Nicodemus had difficulty responding. Fearful of offending, he struggled with his words.

My lord, if I have said the wrong thing, I beg your forgiveness. We, my wife and I, will grieve over this matter if you are willing to purchase our son. We, including Onesimus, want to do what is best for our family and for the one yet unborn.

Philemon came forward and grasped their hands. As he did so, he gave his response.

` You have said nothing wrong. I am touched by your offer, a most serious offer. I want to think about it and I will pray about it. I want to share it with my wife and with my friends here and in Laodicea. I will give you my answer as soon as possible.

Shall we return here the same time next week? What must we do?

Philemon hesitated. Before responding he excused himself.

Let me check my schedule with Festus. I will be right back.

The father and son looked at each other, still wondering what would come of the visit and offer.

They did not have to wait long. Philemon returned, but not with the answer to their question. He wanted to know more about the family.

How soon will your wife deliver the baby? Is she well? Are you warm enough in this cold weather? You need to make sure your wife does not have a chill.

He kept talking and asking questions. Nicodemus appreciated the concern. He felt better knowing that Philemon was a caring person. Yet, they needed to know what to expect.

Finally, Philemon came back to what he wanted of them.

I will send for you next week. In the meantime, I have a few things for you to take home. Festus is waiting for you. He will meet you as you go out.

Philemon bowed to them and opened the door. The girl who escorted them in was waiting. She led them down the corridor to the outside door. Festus was waiting with a large woven hamper in his hands. Handing it to Nicodemus, he sent them on their way with a brief explanation.

My master wants to share a few items of food. He trusts you will not be offended by this and he prays God’s blessings on you and your family.

Nicodemus was speechless. Touched by the gift, neither he nor Onesimus knew what to say. They bowed and uttered a brief, but sincere, Thank you.

It was obvious. Philemon had delayed them long enough to have Festus obtain and have a hamper filled. He was, indeed, a caring person. That evening the family ate well, with food left over. Kept in the cold, there would be food for the rest of the week.

As soon as they arrived, bringing in the hamper, the mother wanted to hear what had happened.

What did he say? How did he respond to your offer? And what is in this beautiful hamper? Tell me the whole story, please!

Nicodemus did his best to explain. Onesimus tried to help, interrupting his father from time to time. He wanted to tell about the house, the kitchen, and the people they saw and met. Nicodemus wanted to talk about their meeting and the results. For him it had ended with a big question mark. Their proposal would not be answered for another week. The one thing he did not share was Philemon’s comment concerning his need to pray about his decision. What did that have to do with the purchase of their son? Would all this be in the hands of the gods? Also, he wondered about the matter of the "ecclesia. What was an ecclesia"?

A week went by and Nicodemus began to wonder. Had Philemon forgotten about them? Should he go looking for answers, or should they wait? There was only one answer. Regardless of their anxiety, he knew they would have to be patient.

Two days later there was a knock on their door. Two men were standing outside, one a tall, thin, obviously older man. The other was much younger, but ever so much larger, a big broad-shouldered young man with red bushy hair. The young man was carrying a large hamper. The older man greeted them with an explanation.

Our master sends his apologies for the delay, but it was unavoidable. He had to be in Laodicea for several days. He asks that you accept this gift of food. He also asks that father and son accompany us back to his home. He will be waiting.

Leaving the hamper with his wife, Nicodemus was confident there would be plenty of food for several days. He and Onesimus put on their heavy cloaks and followed the two men. As they started out the spokesman introduced himself. His name was Philetus. The younger man was introduced as Rufus, a slave who has just arrived in Colossae the day before.

As they walked along, trying to avoid the icy puddles, Philetus kept talking, explaining that he was always talking. He loved to talk.

He was not a native, but had been brought from Rome when he was much younger. Rufus? They thought he was from Egypt, but they were not sure. He was limited in his speech, unable to give them a name or any information. He did understand what you were saying, and followed orders just fine. They named him Rufus because of his red hair. They did know he had been rescued from a wrecked ship transporting slaves intended for Ephesus. Some had been brought inland to the agora in Laodicea. It was there Philemon had purchased Rufus. He wanted a strong man for some planned heavy work, but he was also touched by the man’s limitations. Another master might not treat him kindly. He was told the young man was a hard worker, always smiling.

Rufus, aware that he was the subject of the conversation, would nod and smile. At one point they encountered a large limb fallen across the path, one burdened with an icy coating. Rufus stopped and waved everyone back. He lifted the limb with no difficulty and pulled it easily to one side. He smiled, bowed and indicated to the others that the path was clear.

Nicodemus and Onesimus looked at each other, wondering. It was obvious that Rufus was strong. Onesimus also wondered about his limitations. As Philetus and Rufus moved on ahead, he whispered to his father.

Rufus is not limited. He knows more than we might think. You can see that in his eyes. Something else is going on with him, something he is hiding.

His father, startled by his son’s thinking, forgot to lower his voice,

Do you mean to say that Rufus is… .

Before he could go on, Onesimus put his hand to his father’s mouth. At that moment Rufus stopped, turned and smiled. He had heard. Philetus had not. He was still talking.

As soon as they reached the house, Rufus left them. Philetus ushered them down the corridor to the same room where father and son had first met Philemon. His knock on the door prompted the master’s welcome. Entering, they found several men present. Philemon welcomed them and introduced the others as friends. There was Epaphras from Colossae, Judas and Nereus from Laodicea. Philemon went directly to the purpose of the meeting.

Nicodemus, you were here last week, ready to offer your son to me. He would become my slave. As I understood it, you did this with the agreement of your wife and your son Onesimus. Now you have returned to hear my response. Is that still your desire?

Yes, my lord. We are in agreement on that and we await your decision.

"Very well. It is settled. I accept your offer. Here are ten silver coins, the price of an excellent slave. You named him Onesimus and I’m hopeful he will live up to that name and be most useful for me.

"My friends are here for two reasons. First of all they will be witnesses to what we have agreed to do. All will sign the document. You, sir, will sign your name, or make your mark. The second reason centers on our concerns for those, like yourselves, who have so little. In our Lord’s ecclesia we follow his teachings in caring for people in need. I wanted my friends to see firsthand the problem. I’ve shared your story with them."

Nicodemus didn’t understand much of what Philemon was