Not The Spartacus Way

Today we begin looking at the letter to Philemon. If you had to stop the institution of slavery, how would you go about doing it? By force? Through petition? or Legislation? Today’s passage invites us to consider a more powerful, and yet more subtle way… a way that can also speak to problems in our society today. Let’s join Curtis as we begin today’s message.

Summary

In 73 BC, a gladiator named Spartacus led one of the most famous slave revolts in history. He broke free from captivity, rallied thousands to his cause, and shook the foundations of the Roman Empire. For three years, he resisted Rome’s power with strength and violence—but in the end, he and his followers were brutally defeated. Rome crucified 6,000 men along the Appian Way as a chilling reminder of what happens when you fight power with power.

It’s a powerful story, but also a tragic one. Spartacus used the only tools he knew—force, rebellion, and strength. It’s how the world has often sought change: by overpowering injustice with greater power.

But there’s another story—quieter, lesser-known, and radically different.

In the New Testament, we meet Onesimus, a runaway slave who fled his master, Philemon. Somehow, Onesimus crossed paths with the apostle Paul, who was in prison at the time. Through Paul, Onesimus became a Christian. He changed—not just in status, but in heart.

Paul wrote a short letter to Philemon, urging him to welcome Onesimus back—not as a slave, but as a “beloved brother.” Paul doesn’t pressure or guilt him. Instead, he appeals to Philemon’s faith and asks him to live out the gospel generously: to forgive, to restore, and to treat Onesimus as an equal in Christ.

The contrast between Spartacus and Onesimus couldn’t be starker. One tried to break the system from the outside with violence. The other participated in God’s quiet revolution from within—through love, reconciliation, and radical grace.

This is the “new age” Jesus inaugurated. Not one of forced change, but of deep transformation—of relationships, systems, and hearts.

Paul’s key message in Philemon 1:6 rings true today: “Put into action the generosity that comes from your faith.” That’s our calling too.

When we’re faced with broken relationships, injustice, or deep frustration, we often default to old habits—anger, control, or cynicism. But the way of Jesus invites us to something different: forgiveness instead of retaliation, reconciliation over resentment, and humility in place of power plays.

We don’t know exactly how Philemon responded, but history hints that Onesimus later became a bishop in Ephesus. If true, it’s a powerful picture of what can happen when grace wins.

What about you? Where are you tempted to reach for old tools to solve new problems? And how might God be calling you to live out generous faith—today, right where you are?