Paul and His Letter to Philemon (Udemy.com)

Well there was a mentioning that Paul was trying to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus to himself. I think to be more correct, he should have said that Paul was trying to reconcile both into the image of Jesus, for that was what Paul and the apostles were trying to do. It was a minor mistake, but the whole video speaks of Paul and how the message of his letter would point to Jesus, which was good.

My first course with N.T. Wright online was "Paul: a biography". That was very in depth and thorough. This course seemed basic and that could be due to how short Paul's letter to Philemon is. I also missed the classical music playing at the beginning and end of each lecture and scripture reading like how the courses in Paul played out. Ultimately, I can't complain because it was FREE.

Philemon is a wonderful letter and most often underestimate in it's true value to the Church. It is tremendous revelation on how the good news of King Jesus not just redeems, but transforms human relationships. Thought it was a excellent presented course. I was engaged throughout. Dr Wright is a marvelous clear presenter of truth. I enjoyed listening to him.

With all regards, I have utmost respect for Professor Wright and his scholarly studies along with a man who explains everything like no one else. Every explanation of Paul's letter to Philemon was explained and detailed well. This particular class was also free and complementary which I liked. I wish the class went a little bit longer though....perhaps wishful thinking but perhaps another 20 minutes would have enlightened me more!

In a span of half an hour I was right away able to understand Paul's decision to have Philemon receive back Onesimus, but no longer just as a slave but someone with dignity, a true brother in Christ. This letter therefore is not about Paul condoning slavery as some have suggested, but it in fact provides the building blocks for its eventual abolishment. Genuine freedom is attained through reconciliation.

I enjoyed listening to Professor Wright and kept reading the titles of the books behind him. It was a pleasant distraction, however, I missed a few things by that pleasant daydreaming. Yet, I also learned a new way of understanding Paul, who always fascinates me. I like the concise and obvious affection in which the teacher explains the material.

Wishing Tom a great health and continuing insight and clarity of mind to present the biblical truth to church of Christ which have been de-formed in many ways by many of its own good-intention members of the body of Christ - due to in-adequate love for Christ (over its love for itself) and of in-adequate knowledge to present His wonderful gospel to the world. And David for continuing zeal for this important very relevant ministry in this technologically loaded day and age.

Excellent content thus far, just finished the first lecture. This is my first Wright course I've taken and I'm really liking it so far. For it being free, the content is super rich and insightful. I saw it as a common complaint, and I have to agree. The constant edits to a different angle is rather unnecessary. I can understand the desire for it be feel less stagnant with a cut here and there, but the cuts where made in sections where he wasn't looking at the camera at all most times. But I must be honest and say as I watched the entire course, I did not notice it as much since I was jotting down notes as he spoke. Other than that, very well done, clear audio and amazing content. Learned so much in just one course, I look forward to taking many other courses!

Because it has given me new insights into the letter and just as important new insights into Paul's theology and the meaning of his mission.The reconciliation in Philemon is a preview of what Pau will say about reconciliation in 2 Corinthians ... Christ and creation's reconciliation with God through the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity

Wow. I am amazed at the depth of meaning found in this one chapter book. I always thought it was simply a letter about a runaway slave. But when Dr. Wright compares it with Pliny’s letter, it becomes clear that Paul was skillfully addressing the way life with Christ impacts the status quo. I never would have guessed that the emerging counter-culture revolution was one of the book's underlying themes. I enjoyed this course and can recommend it without reservations.