From Slave to Brother: The Book of Philemon

By E.M. Bennett

Onesimus, a runaway thief and slave of Philemon, resented all Christians and didn't believe anything they claimed. Through his runaway journey, he finds himself in the presence of Paul the apostle, the greatest apostle in that time. He was assisting Paul by helping with his writing needs and supplies.
Over time he comes to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way he was able to understand. His heart begins to soften and change, and Paul leads Onesimus on the path of transformation.
But when he is asked to return to his master, Philemon, will he do it? Or is this a part of Christianity that trips him up and causes him to continue running? Can Onesimus accept the Lord and His ways, or is the worldly ways he knows more attractive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350903461

Book preview

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Copyright © 2023 E.M. Bennett

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored,

Or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical

or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case

of brief excepts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized

reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and punishable by law.

Contributor E.M. Bennett helped with story ideas.

Scripture taken from the New King James version®.

Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-35-090346-1

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.

BookBaby Publishing Services date: 2023

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Epilogue

Chapter One

Not another church meeting, Amon mumbled as he let out a heavy sigh.

I know what you mean. It seems that all we do is arrange mats for these zealous people, Onesimus said in an equally disgruntled voice as his fellow slave man. Continuing he added, If I had a gerah for every mat I’ve laid this past month, I’d be the richest man in all Colosse.

Agreed. Then you could make Philemon and his arrogant son, Archippus, your slaves, Amon laughed.

Both men continued in their duties, which consisted of sweeping in the main room of Philemon’s house, setting up mats and arranging vases filled with water. Periodically, a young handmaiden would come in and set up smaller vases with flowers she’d picked out of the master’s wife’s private garden. Leah took pride in her service to Philemon and his family.

Onesimus and Amon watched her carefully arrange the small vases, all the while humming a song.

Why are you so happy, Leah? Amon asked.

Today is a special day, Amon. It’s the beginning of the wedding feast for lady Bernice, Leah stated joyously.

Lady Bernice? Who is marrying her? Amon shrieked, causing Onesimus to join in with cattle calls.

You both should be ashamed, Leah snapped. Lord Gaius from Mesopotamia has agreed to wed lady Bernice and become the heir of her father’s estate.

Both men shook their heads and continued to laugh. Leah stooped down to pick up a petal that had broken off of a flower and then stormed out of the room.

What’s your hurry? Philemon asked Leah, as she nearly bumped into him.

I’m sorry, my lord, Leah whispered.

It’s quite fine, Leah. Just be careful. There’s much to do today and I need you in top condition, Philemon smiled. Not waiting for Leah to respond, he turned around and entered the main room.

I’ll say men, you’ve done an excellent job once again, Philemon said as he entered and surveyed the main room. Amon and Onesimus looked at each other and rolled their eyes. Today is a special service, as we are preparing to celebrate the wedding feast of two dear friends. Philemon stated as he continued to survey the room, all the while humming the same tune Leah was humming earlier.

Philemon, his wife Apphia called out, I see Nathan and Elah’s band approaching.

Wonderful, he said while shifting his gaze. Men, I will need you to gather the other servants and attend to the needs of our arriving guests. Their feet will need washing and their camels will need water, Philemon