The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast PLMN059 - I Would Have Run Away Too
Jan 8, 2026
The podcast dives into the intriguing story of Onesimus, a runaway slave. The host empathizes with Onesimus's desire for freedom over comfort, exploring a counterfactual scenario of what might have happened had Paul not sent him back. Comparisons are drawn to the prodigal son, highlighting the risks Onesimus faced in a harsh ancient world. The discussion also covers the potential fallout for Paul and the early church had they hidden Onesimus, ultimately suggesting that his return was a safer and more hopeful option.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sympathy For Onesimus's Escape
- Matt sympathizes with Onesimus and says he would have run away too given the desire for freedom.
- He argues empathy helps us understand why Onesimus fled despite poor strategic prospects.
The Power Of The Counterfactual
- Matt frames a counterfactual: what if Paul hadn't sent Onesimus back to Philemon.
- He uses this thought experiment to clarify Paul's motivations and the ripple effects of that choice.
Prodigal Son Parallel
- Matt compares Onesimus's likely outcome to the prodigal son who squandered wealth and ended up feeding pigs.
- He uses Luke 15 to illustrate how fleeing can lead to destitution in the ancient world.
