June 15, 2026

Philemon #1: Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?

1 hour 5 minutes

Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com

The book of Philemon raises one of the most difficult questions in all of Scripture: What does the Bible actually say about slavery?

In this episode of the Determine Truth Podcast, Rob and Vinnie begin a two-part discussion on Philemon, Onesimus, and the complicated relationship between slavery, biblical interpretation, and Christian history. Along the way, they explore how Scripture has been used throughout history to justify slavery, segregation, antisemitism, colonialism, war, and other harmful practices—and why careful, humble interpretation matters.

The conversation examines:

The historical context of Philemon and Onesimus

Slavery in the ancient world versus American chattel slavery

How Christians have used the Bible to defend harmful systems

Why biblical interpretation requires humility

The relationship between truth, Scripture, and Jesus

The trajectory of justice and human dignity throughout the biblical story

Why Philemon remains one of the most important and challenging books in the New Testament

Whether you're wrestling with difficult passages in Scripture, questioning how Christians have interpreted the Bible, or seeking a deeper understanding of Philemon, this discussion offers thoughtful engagement with one of Christianity's most challenging topics.

William Webb, Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals

https://www.amazon.com/Slaves-Women-Homosexuals-Exploring-Hermeneutics/dp/0830815619/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G03LUOVZW64P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WYgYVxQLdH4xNWPaz4aWpQ.LubOEzSZ3E4qQhhZgLwEjl1ZCdSyTbW0Q3mYZRicjV0&dib_tag=se&keywords=William+Webb%2C+Slaves%2C+Women%2C+and+Homosexuals&qid=1781461982&sprefix=william+webb%2C+slaves%2C+women%2C+and+homosexuals%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-1

Bible Project with Carmen Imes https://bibleproject.com/classroom/exodus-overview-carmen-imes/sessions/20

Christopher Wright, Ethics and the OT People of God https://www.amazon.com/Old-Testament-Ethics-People-God/dp/0830839615/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=186429966876&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L76EmsYb3BNGoNWLdKSW6lx6FfiWzFfEcEb-ezDBjeyTJ6e7NTUBf4PEtyjarevYvxFAx6eKja_WP99vwZVljZmg1_teuBfFAOyzwKM8m7hjkKV-O73Sr8vCU8-x2cjsjiozLeZxB6vav7R67tKI1a4INf7gQfd3TtK4eyTgNuh78MBibWUyeXRrYGCTt0K0Lb9J18jng5uppFFtjDSI9vxJwA7M_DY11BxD_udWnlM.TUqwwxZwIg1ExcKPNoyL-uGQp409hKN8feiluQ4RMzc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792918667589&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1014081&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=2282925062319380072--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2282925062319380072&hvtargid=kwd-375817568813&hydadcr=2931_13892005_2446146&keywords=old+testament+ethics+wright&mcid=1a98bc646a1a37088de45a45a662907c&qid=1781462073&sr=8-1

FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday).

Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others.

CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES

The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God.

You can visit us online at https://www.determinetruth.com

SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES

Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world.

Please consider partnering with us and making a tax-deductible donation https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/3648601

Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob’s latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth.

https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast

Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets)

#megachuch #churchgrowth #churchhurt #abuse #trauma #deconstruction #exvangelical #thechurch #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #pastors #authority #housechurch #vinnieangelo #robdalrymple

...more