Paul doesn’t just tell Philemon to abandon slavery, he tells Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul. Moreover, Paul takes full responsibility for Onesimus’ crime and debt so as to guide Philemon to the only choice he really has – freeing and loving Onesimus. The Gospel is definitely not apolitical, however, politics cannot bring about the Gospel either. We were once all, slaves and free people, born into the slavery of sin – far greater tragedy than earthly slavery as depicted so well by the book of Exodus. The Gospel alone can bring true freedom and nothing is of any significance if you don’t have true freedom? Paul, like Jesus, did not force people and society to be righteous. They didn’t start NGOs to take up causes. They, however, brought the Gospel and opened many eyes to sin. And to Philemon who has had his eyes opened to sin – free Onesimus and come to your new and holy senses.
Philemon 17-25 - 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.