Paul face à un dilemme éthique complexe. Le cas d'Onésime et Philémon

Focant, Camille [UCL]

What wished Paul when he wrote his letter to Philemon? The information provided by the letter makes it impossible to surely specify the nature of the conflict between the slave Onesiumus and his mater. After recalling the four exegetical interpretations of the problem under discussion and of the aim pursued by the apostle, this article develops the thesis that, addressed by Onesiumas as amicus Domini, Paul is facing up to an ethical dilemma insoluble in theory. How does he react in such a case? He tells no clear and precise instruction to Philemon. This curious situation is due to the fact that, in everyday life, the relationship between a master and his slave, both Christians, posed fearsome problems, even though a general calling into question of slavery system was not on the agenda and hardly thinkable in the society of that time. Therefore Paul does not seem in position to decide. So he urges Philemon to act with greater generosity, encourages him and expresses confidence that he can give him complete trust. Various options are available to Philemon. But the apostle does not feel authorized to impose him a specific choice, while he should not bear himself its consequences. So he gives free rein to Philemon's creativity and his choice of conscience, evoking just what must guide every action in Christ,i.e. the agapè.