replies to two peer responses

I need replies to two peer responses: If you could write them directly. What I mean is Lukas you have said ………I agree with it…etc… make it more personal and gentle. Thank you. Here is peer # 1 response:
Lukas:

In your first paragraph, list and describe three rhetorical techniques which you see operating in Paul’s letter to Philemon.

In philemon Paul uses multiple different techniques to try to “convince” philemon to let his slave Onesimus come back to paul. Paul tries to appeal to the friendship that philemon and Paul had when paul was with him. This is clearly stated in the introduction of the letter. Paul also says that philemon own his, in fact he owes paul his very self (verse19). In the beginning of the letter paul also writes that this is to the entire “church” that meets in Philemon’s home. Saying this would mean that paul wanted to great everyone, and possibly have this letter be read aloud. This would put pressure on Philemon to let Onesimus go free. After all, what kind of a church leader would he be if he did not forgive his debtors as Jesus said we should (Matthew 6:12)

Is he manipulating Philemon? Defend your answer.

Yes, I do believe that Paul is trying to manipulate Philemon. I do not agree with the wording though, convince would be a better choice in my mind. I believe that Paul is writing for the sake of 1st the Gospel of Christ, 2nd Onesimus’ freedom, and 3rd for himself. Paul is second only to Jesus in the New Testament. Since the conversion he has dedicated his life to sharing the good news of Jesus. He is willing to die for that mission (Philippians 1:20) Sharing the love of Jesus is his most important goal. Having Onesimus with his would help him do so. Secondly Onesimus is a follower of Jesus and Paul wants Philemon to see that. Paul tells Philemon to welcome Onesimus just as he would welcome Paul. This is important because Paul is held to a very high regard by many people across the region and he himself is a large part of the forming of the church at the time. Thirdly, I believe that Paul has come to favor Onesimus and appreciates having another person to help him share the gospel, not only as a co-worker but also as a friend (or son [Philemon 1:10])

Does is matter that Paul is trying to save a man’s life? Why or why not?

In the long run yes. Paul shows compassion and pleads for someone who is most likely going to be punished severely or even worse killed (Powell). Paul was willing to take on a financial and even social burden in order to save a man’s life. Onesimus was also a slave, something that Paul claims he is to Christ, which Onesimus is also now a follower of. Paul is demonstrating the love of Christ by putting others before himself.

Are you surprised to find this sort of material in the Bible? Why or why not? (Some are!) Do you think it worked? Why or why not? Did Philemon set Onesimus free?

No, I am not surprised that this type of letter is found in the Bible. I believe that many things can be learned from it. Paul shows that we should be willing to make deep connections through the common goal of sharing the Gospel; but also that we should be willing to share burdens for people when we can. Is this letter a little out of the ordinary compared to other books in the Bible? Yes. However, I believe that it is there for a reason.

Resources:

Powell

Philemon

Matthew 6:12

Philippians 1:20

Peer 2 Response: Aysha

In your first paragraph, list and describe three rhetorical techniques which you see operating in Paul’s letter to Philemon.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, it shares many rhetorical techniques. The first one I found was appealing to friendship and a common past. It shares, “When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.”1 I saw this as Paul was trying to sweet talk Philemon in telling him that he’s a good person with good faith. In addition, Paul stated that he has been refreshed through Philemon. Secondly, Paul was trying to imply detriment to reputation. “I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ”2 Paul is trying to say that you are a good person and that Christ will indeed also look at you as a good person if you do this. Thirdly, I found the rhetoric that was appealing to a common purpose. In verse 5 it shares, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me.”3 Paul was trying to make the letter more relatable. Moreover, Paul is sharing that they both want Onesimus and that he can be useful to both of them.

1. Philemon 4 & 7

2. Philemon 6

3. Philemon 11

Is he manipulating Paul is trying to save a man’s life? Why or why not?

Without the context of the story I would have assumed that Paul is simply trying to do a good deed for Onesimus. However, after reading the background information I do see that Paul is manipulating Philemon. Throughout the letter, Paul brings up Jesus and God and how he will be worthy of their love if Philemon followed through with letting Onesimus go. “Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord!”1 Specifically in verse 5 it strongly suggests that God will be thankful that you have done this good deed.

1. Philemon 20

Does it matter that Paul is trying to save a man’s life? Why or why not?

I do think it matters that Paul is trying to save a life. In some way it justifies the reason why he’s manipulating Philemon. If Paul wasn’t trying to save Onesimus then it would have been a cruel act to do. I believe that everything can be justified depending on the context of what is at stake. In this case it was a man’s life. If Paul didn’t plead and manipulate Philemon for Onesimus’s life then he would have been dead.

Are you surprised to find this sort of material in the Bible? Why or why not? Do you think it worked? Why or why not? Did Philemon set Onesimus free?

Yes, I am surprised. I wasn’t expecting that sort of manipulation and twistedness from the bible. I think that it just goes to show that under certain circumstances that being mean and cruel can be somewhat justified, all sins can be forgiven. I saw the bible as being a figure of light and hope in darkness, stories to shed light on something dark. I never thought that the bible would have such a twisted story. I did think it worked, I think Philemon set Onesimus free. Paul was a man who held great power within the Christian community. If Philemon were to deny Paul’s request I believe that it was in some way defying God or Jesus. I think that Philemon would have been too scared t