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A Week in the Life
A Week in the Life of a Slave
"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." These words, written by the apostle Paul to a first-century Christian named Philemon, are tantalizingly brief. Indeed, Paul's epistle to Philemon is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible. While it's direct enough in its way, it certainly leaves plenty to the imagination. A Week in the Life of a Slave is a vivid imagining of that story. From the pen of an accomplished New Testament scholar, the narrative follows the slave Onesimus from his arrival in Ephesus, where the apostle Paul is imprisoned, and fleshes out the lived context of that time and place, supplemented by numerous sidebars and historical images. John Byron's historical fiction is at once a social and theological critique of slavery in the Roman Empire and a gripping adventure story, set against the exotic backdrop of first-century Ephesus.
160 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2019
18 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
John Byron
85 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 24, 2025
What a delightful book! This work is a combination of historical fiction, biblical exposition, and a kind of primer on several of Paul's letters and the individuals mentioned in them. Reading the book helped me to connect people like Philemon and Demas and Apphia and Archippus in a way I never had before. As a bonus, the book contains several sidebars for a deeper look at first century practices, laws, or customs. I will be reading more in this series.
September 12, 2019
Summary: A creative re-telling of the story of runaway slave Onesimus that casts light on the institution of slavery in Greco-Roman society and the church's response.
Onesimus. Philemon. These two names are associated with Paul's shortest letter. One wonders at times why it was included. It seems to be a personal appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave, who during his time with Paul became a follower of Jesus. He appeals for Onesimus to receive him back as a brother, and charge any debt or wrong to Paul. A beautiful appeal to reconcile a runaway slave to his master, a fellow Christian. Just a personal letter? Perhaps, but it is also addressed to the church that meets in Philemon's home (v. 2). Is there a larger message for the church from the apostle who taught there is "neither slave nor free. . . but you are one in Christ" (Galatians 3:28).
These questions and many more John Byron explores in this newest contribution to the "A Week in the Life Series." Through both a creative re-telling of story and the sidebars, Byron casts light on the institution of slavery in the Roman empire. We learn how people became slaves, how they were treated, their status, even when freed, and what a serious matter it was for a slave to run away. Beyond flogging, a slave could likely be sold, usually into inferior conditions with even less chance of obtaining his liberty.
Byron tells the story through the cast of characters we find in the letter, and a few others, including a prison superintendent who is a believer, who at risk to himself allows Paul to see Onesimus long enough that he can understand and believe the gospel. In doing so, he posits an Ephesian imprisonment, which makes sense with its proximity to Colossae. He includes Luke and Demas and Epaphras who shares his imprisonment. Demas hosts a church in his home and shelters Onesimus, who witnesses the mingling of slaves and free persons in worship.
Byron explores what it might have been like for churches to grapple with the question of the inclusion of believing slaves in their worship. He creates a contrast between Ephesus where all are brothers in Christ when they gather for worship, and Colossae and the church in Philemon's home, where slaves are excluded--until Archippus (a kind of overseer or bishop of churches in the Lycus valley) challenges their practice, and their socially stratified worship. One begins to grasp how "neither slave nor free" in worship was itself an incredibly radical step.
Many who discuss the issue of slavery in the New Testament argue that an infant church couldn't challenge this powerful institution. I appreciate that Byron doesn't make this argument, which can ring hollow. Rather he shows what it was like for early house churches to take the first steps to press out their theological convictions about oneness in Christ into eating and worshiping together, steps that in themselves broke with established social convention.
We don't know what Philemon did with regard to the legal offense of running away. Paul only appeals and doesn't offer a specific course of action. But Byron picks up on the legend that the Bishop Onesimus mentioned in Ignatius's letter to the Ephesians. If that were so, at some point Philemon granted this runaway his freedom. One wonders if the Philemon-Onesimus incident was something of a watershed moment with implications beyond their immediate relations. Was this perhaps the reason for the letter's preservation. Did Bishop Onesimus, as Byron writes the story, have something to do with the letter's preservation?
These are plausible speculations at best. What Byron's book does so well for us is bring to life the Greco-Roman institution of slavery, perhaps different in treatment from American slavery, but nevertheless demeaning of the personhood of the enslaved. We grasp the risks Paul, and all who helped shelter Onesimus ran. We begin to understand the costly counter-cultural actions of a nascent church that shelters, welcomes at table, and worship, the slave, calling him "brother" and her "sister." We only are left wondering why it took the church another eighteen centuries to follow the arc of their theology to its ultimate conclusion in practice and law.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Onesimus. Philemon. These two names are associated with Paul's shortest letter. One wonders at times why it was included. It seems to be a personal appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave, who during his time with Paul became a follower of Jesus. He appeals for Onesimus to receive him back as a brother, and charge any debt or wrong to Paul. A beautiful appeal to reconcile a runaway slave to his master, a fellow Christian. Just a personal letter? Perhaps, but it is also addressed to the church that meets in Philemon's home (v. 2). Is there a larger message for the church from the apostle who taught there is "neither slave nor free. . . but you are one in Christ" (Galatians 3:28).
These questions and many more John Byron explores in this newest contribution to the "A Week in the Life Series." Through both a creative re-telling of story and the sidebars, Byron casts light on the institution of slavery in the Roman empire. We learn how people became slaves, how they were treated, their status, even when freed, and what a serious matter it was for a slave to run away. Beyond flogging, a slave could likely be sold, usually into inferior conditions with even less chance of obtaining his liberty.
Byron tells the story through the cast of characters we find in the letter, and a few others, including a prison superintendent who is a believer, who at risk to himself allows Paul to see Onesimus long enough that he can understand and believe the gospel. In doing so, he posits an Ephesian imprisonment, which makes sense with its proximity to Colossae. He includes Luke and Demas and Epaphras who shares his imprisonment. Demas hosts a church in his home and shelters Onesimus, who witnesses the mingling of slaves and free persons in worship.
Byron explores what it might have been like for churches to grapple with the question of the inclusion of believing slaves in their worship. He creates a contrast between Ephesus where all are brothers in Christ when they gather for worship, and Colossae and the church in Philemon's home, where slaves are excluded--until Archippus (a kind of overseer or bishop of churches in the Lycus valley) challenges their practice, and their socially stratified worship. One begins to grasp how "neither slave nor free" in worship was itself an incredibly radical step.
Many who discuss the issue of slavery in the New Testament argue that an infant church couldn't challenge this powerful institution. I appreciate that Byron doesn't make this argument, which can ring hollow. Rather he shows what it was like for early house churches to take the first steps to press out their theological convictions about oneness in Christ into eating and worshiping together, steps that in themselves broke with established social convention.
We don't know what Philemon did with regard to the legal offense of running away. Paul only appeals and doesn't offer a specific course of action. But Byron picks up on the legend that the Bishop Onesimus mentioned in Ignatius's letter to the Ephesians. If that were so, at some point Philemon granted this runaway his freedom. One wonders if the Philemon-Onesimus incident was something of a watershed moment with implications beyond their immediate relations. Was this perhaps the reason for the letter's preservation. Did Bishop Onesimus, as Byron writes the story, have something to do with the letter's preservation?
These are plausible speculations at best. What Byron's book does so well for us is bring to life the Greco-Roman institution of slavery, perhaps different in treatment from American slavery, but nevertheless demeaning of the personhood of the enslaved. We grasp the risks Paul, and all who helped shelter Onesimus ran. We begin to understand the costly counter-cultural actions of a nascent church that shelters, welcomes at table, and worship, the slave, calling him "brother" and her "sister." We only are left wondering why it took the church another eighteen centuries to follow the arc of their theology to its ultimate conclusion in practice and law.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 20, 2023
Honestly, this is probably the worst book I've ever read
April 9, 2019
This book is partly fiction and partly nonfiction. It read like a documentary show that's primarily made up of fictional reenactments to illustrate the points. The purpose was to educate readers (in an entertaining way) about the social and cultural background to Paul's letter to Philemon so that we can better understand it.
The story followed a week in the life of a runaway slave, Onesimus, as well as details about Paul's life in prison and the people in Ephesus who owned slaves. A lot of educational material was worked into the story, but additional information was provided in "sidebars" (which could take up whole pages) that were placed within the story. The book included some pictures of archaeological artifacts that illustrated information in the non-fiction sidebars or events in the story. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people interested in the insights gained from cultural background information.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The story followed a week in the life of a runaway slave, Onesimus, as well as details about Paul's life in prison and the people in Ephesus who owned slaves. A lot of educational material was worked into the story, but additional information was provided in "sidebars" (which could take up whole pages) that were placed within the story. The book included some pictures of archaeological artifacts that illustrated information in the non-fiction sidebars or events in the story. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people interested in the insights gained from cultural background information.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 10, 2019
I think this is my second time to review a fictional book and this one is my first biblical historical fiction.
At first I’m abit surprise on how Paul, Philemon and Onesimus was portraited. Adding to that Demas was also in the story and had moments, knowing in the back of our mind, he will be a backslider according to the Bible.
A Week in the Life of a Slave delivers an interesting and page turning story of Onesimus and Philemon. It follows the fugitive slave to his journey to escaping his master, meeting Paul, the crisis with his presence in the prison where Paul was in, his conversion and his return to Philemon.
If you think this is just a simple and boring story about slavery in Bible times, well you’re mistaken. I was mistaken till I got that light bulb moment. It gives you the glimpse on how we as Christian are heir to Christ.
There are no boring or dragging parts in the book. You’ll find this book a delightful read every time you jump back in. The supporting characters are interesting and had all been given a fair share of spotlight both real and fictional ones. Then every conversation are spot on. You can feel the emotions jumping over you without being over the top.
The latter chapters before the conclusion for me are the best conversations that I read from the book. The sub plot was well executed and it really helped the main plot.
If the narrative itself is good, the “information box” that accompanies the story is superb. Well written and with great images, it gives out the backstory in every twist and turn of the story. It feels like your reading book within a book. You can use it in either; read it so you’ll for the some cultural background of the story; ignore it and still the story is solid or for future reference material. But if you ask me, the information box will definitely enhance the reading of the already solid narrative.
A Week in the Life of a Slave is a must read that tackles Christian issues of equality and forgiveness that can’t be easily done in a non-fiction format. It doesn’t just fill your mind but this book wins your heart. Highly recommended!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
At first I’m abit surprise on how Paul, Philemon and Onesimus was portraited. Adding to that Demas was also in the story and had moments, knowing in the back of our mind, he will be a backslider according to the Bible.
A Week in the Life of a Slave delivers an interesting and page turning story of Onesimus and Philemon. It follows the fugitive slave to his journey to escaping his master, meeting Paul, the crisis with his presence in the prison where Paul was in, his conversion and his return to Philemon.
If you think this is just a simple and boring story about slavery in Bible times, well you’re mistaken. I was mistaken till I got that light bulb moment. It gives you the glimpse on how we as Christian are heir to Christ.
There are no boring or dragging parts in the book. You’ll find this book a delightful read every time you jump back in. The supporting characters are interesting and had all been given a fair share of spotlight both real and fictional ones. Then every conversation are spot on. You can feel the emotions jumping over you without being over the top.
The latter chapters before the conclusion for me are the best conversations that I read from the book. The sub plot was well executed and it really helped the main plot.
If the narrative itself is good, the “information box” that accompanies the story is superb. Well written and with great images, it gives out the backstory in every twist and turn of the story. It feels like your reading book within a book. You can use it in either; read it so you’ll for the some cultural background of the story; ignore it and still the story is solid or for future reference material. But if you ask me, the information box will definitely enhance the reading of the already solid narrative.
A Week in the Life of a Slave is a must read that tackles Christian issues of equality and forgiveness that can’t be easily done in a non-fiction format. It doesn’t just fill your mind but this book wins your heart. Highly recommended!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
July 24, 2019
What was it like to be a slave in Roman times? What was it like to be a slave or slave owner in a Christian home during that time? These are questions that John Byron attempts to answer in A Week in the Life of a Slave. This new book, mostly fiction with sidebars of facts and the author’s opinions, is based upon Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Philemon in the New Testament. The letter to Philemon is an oddity; it’s a personal letter written by Paul about a runaway slave named Onesimus who had run away from his master. Byron’s book speculates as to how this letter came to be, along with his opinion that Paul was actually in prison in Ephesus at the time he wrote it.
The story itself is fairly straightforward. It covers Paul’s interactions with the runaway, and also includes a storyline about whether or not slaves should attend meetings of the early church and eat besides their masters. That was a controversial issue at the time: when Paul spoke of being brothers and sisters in Christ, did he also mean slaves being on the same level as their masters? While slavery in Roman times was much different to the form of slavery we’re familiar with in this country’s sad history, Byron is careful to note that this doesn’t mean it was better. Slavery is slavery, no matter where it happens or when it happens.
A Week in the Life of a Slave is easy to read and digest. The factual sections do intersect the narrative, so I’d recommend reading in paper form, when you can place a finger or a bookmark wherever you come across these sections and return to them at a more suitable moment. But then, I’m still a lover of the traditional book and have never quite mastered the skill of skipping back and forth while reading on a screen. Regardless of which format you go for, however, you’ll enjoy this informative component of the A Week in the Life series of which this is part.
Thank you to IVP for my complimentary electronic copy of A Week in the Life of a Slave.
The story itself is fairly straightforward. It covers Paul’s interactions with the runaway, and also includes a storyline about whether or not slaves should attend meetings of the early church and eat besides their masters. That was a controversial issue at the time: when Paul spoke of being brothers and sisters in Christ, did he also mean slaves being on the same level as their masters? While slavery in Roman times was much different to the form of slavery we’re familiar with in this country’s sad history, Byron is careful to note that this doesn’t mean it was better. Slavery is slavery, no matter where it happens or when it happens.
A Week in the Life of a Slave is easy to read and digest. The factual sections do intersect the narrative, so I’d recommend reading in paper form, when you can place a finger or a bookmark wherever you come across these sections and return to them at a more suitable moment. But then, I’m still a lover of the traditional book and have never quite mastered the skill of skipping back and forth while reading on a screen. Regardless of which format you go for, however, you’ll enjoy this informative component of the A Week in the Life series of which this is part.
Thank you to IVP for my complimentary electronic copy of A Week in the Life of a Slave.
April 18, 2019
The book of Philemon is often used in studies on forgiveness. Not much is written for us to know the backstory. All we know is that Onesimus was absent from the house of Philemon, and Paul wrote on his behalf. One might wonder what happened to lead up to the letter. In A Week in the Life of a Slave, John Byron writes a scenario that could have happened, based on what is known.
Besides the story, the book contains small sections that tell more about life in the time the events take place. How slaves were treated, what life was like for people, and other information is provided that give you a better understanding of what happens in the plot. They add another level to what you can get out of the book.
I enjoyed reading A Week in the Life of a Slave, but not just for the story. I've read Philemon several times, but this gave me something more to consider. Throughout the New Testament, there are warnings about showing favoritism and treating others how you want to be treated. This book can make you stop and think about how you are treating fellow believers.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Besides the story, the book contains small sections that tell more about life in the time the events take place. How slaves were treated, what life was like for people, and other information is provided that give you a better understanding of what happens in the plot. They add another level to what you can get out of the book.
I enjoyed reading A Week in the Life of a Slave, but not just for the story. I've read Philemon several times, but this gave me something more to consider. Throughout the New Testament, there are warnings about showing favoritism and treating others how you want to be treated. This book can make you stop and think about how you are treating fellow believers.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2019
"A Week in the Life of a Slave" follows characters found in the book of Philemon as they navigate social class systems of the ancient world in which the early church was founded and flourished. John Byron masterfully weaves together Scriptural references, historical context, and scholarly allusions to how the writing of Philemon came about.
The story of the runaway slave Onesimus, the evolution of their Colossian church to include slaves within church gatherings, and Paul's teaching on forgiveness are masterfully written. The additional historical context blurbs and clues are helpful to further understand the world at the time that Paul wrote his letter to Philemon and will help the reader understand the cultural taboos that the Biblical authors navigated.
If you desire to understand the world in which the Bible was written, I recommend picking up this book. It will help you easily reach new levels of understanding of the text and help lead you to yearn for more.
The story of the runaway slave Onesimus, the evolution of their Colossian church to include slaves within church gatherings, and Paul's teaching on forgiveness are masterfully written. The additional historical context blurbs and clues are helpful to further understand the world at the time that Paul wrote his letter to Philemon and will help the reader understand the cultural taboos that the Biblical authors navigated.
If you desire to understand the world in which the Bible was written, I recommend picking up this book. It will help you easily reach new levels of understanding of the text and help lead you to yearn for more.
April 26, 2019
The “Week in the Life” books are an excellent, pain free way to learn about the context around the New Testament, and this book is no exception. Perhaps better than others, John Byron manages to keep the interest and tension of the plot going, while still covering a lot of ground around the background of slavery in the time when the letter of Philemon was written. The side boxes are interesting and informative, not only for understanding Philemon, but also providing a light into many of the New Testament writings.
The only thing I found a little disappointing was the sudden finish. The book is short and pacey, and I would have liked an expansion on the resolution.
I would recommend this book to anyone keen to learn more about the social context of the New Testament.
The only thing I found a little disappointing was the sudden finish. The book is short and pacey, and I would have liked an expansion on the resolution.
I would recommend this book to anyone keen to learn more about the social context of the New Testament.
January 5, 2025
Like the other books I’ve read in this series, this was an insightful book. However, for the first 2/3 or so of the book, the story was subjectively less captivating for me than the other books in the series (granted, these authors are biblical scholars, not novelists). But the book achieves its aim of opening my eyes to the 1st century world of slavery and in particular, the backdrop to the letter to Philemon. I can better envision the context after reading this book.
It would be a good book for anyone studying the book of Philemon, or wanting a light way to learn more about slavery in the New Testament context.
It would be a good book for anyone studying the book of Philemon, or wanting a light way to learn more about slavery in the New Testament context.
July 10, 2019
This is an excellent offering by John Byron in the “A Week in the life of…” series. This is a fictional rendering of the life of Onesimus a runaway slave who is mentioned in the book of Philemon. The book has lots of historical nuggets in side panels offered throughout. It offers an eye opening look into what it meant to be a household slave in the first century and it offers some insight into Paul’s situation as a prisoner at that times. If you read this book go back and read the book of Philemon with new eyes.
Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC copy.
Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC copy.
September 23, 2019
This book attempts to 'make alive' the story of Onesimus. Paul's letter to Philemon is quite short yet its impact is far reaching. Thus, John Byron takes on the task to imaginatively recreate what it would have been like to live in the Roman empire under the shackles of slavery. This historical fiction is written to give social and theological critique whilst also enabling readers to enter the strange world of the NT.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 14, 2019
I've read Paul's letter to Philemon, but this book combined information about the time period and background with a brief retelling of Onesimus' story. Thus, it's probably about 2/3 semi-Bible-based fiction and 1/3 factual background information - more textbook style. I generally enjoyed the mix, though at times the information boxes got in the way of my reading of the story. The textbook part was interesting and informative - and I'm unlikely to get around to reading a book with only that sort of content, so it taught me things in a way I probably wouldn't learn otherwise. However, I found the story part (a) fairly surface-only, and (b) not necessarily very Bible based in places. For example (and this was my biggest question), I don't know whether the author had a reason for portraying the Lycus valley ecclesias' attitudes to slaves the way he did, but I don't think I can come up with any evidence in the Bible for such an opinion, nor do I recall it being explained in the book (might be just my bad memory?).
So, overall, I found it interesting and informative, as well as thought-provoking - but I'd definitely like to come across a better/more satisfying retelling of the story of Onesimus.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
So, overall, I found it interesting and informative, as well as thought-provoking - but I'd definitely like to come across a better/more satisfying retelling of the story of Onesimus.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 28, 2024
I really enjoyed my time reading this little book. I not only learned a lot from it, but was genuinely moved at several parts in an unexpected way.
The author creates a fictional backstory for the mysterious riff between Onesimus and Philemon, the famous master-slave relationship in the New Testament. Drawing on his scholarly credentials studying slavery in antiquity, he offers a realistic story of what could have been—and why.
Scattered throughout the tale are side notes containing more information to help readers come to grips with just how awful and distinct slavery in Ancient Rome was: How did masters treat their slaves at that time? Could they become free? Was slavery based on race or nationality? Did the early church advocate for abolition? These answers are provided with the nuance needed, and seeing the impact of our modern judgements on fleshed-out characters from history made the complexity of the situation feel all the more real.
It also added a great and beautiful depth to Paul’s letter, which is utilized at the climax of the story to show just how cleverly he uses persuasion to convince Philemon to do the right thing, despite the social and cultural norms of the time. The epilogue about theories regarding Onesimus’s later life really moved me at the end.
A must-read! I can’t read the book of Philemon the same.
The author creates a fictional backstory for the mysterious riff between Onesimus and Philemon, the famous master-slave relationship in the New Testament. Drawing on his scholarly credentials studying slavery in antiquity, he offers a realistic story of what could have been—and why.
Scattered throughout the tale are side notes containing more information to help readers come to grips with just how awful and distinct slavery in Ancient Rome was: How did masters treat their slaves at that time? Could they become free? Was slavery based on race or nationality? Did the early church advocate for abolition? These answers are provided with the nuance needed, and seeing the impact of our modern judgements on fleshed-out characters from history made the complexity of the situation feel all the more real.
It also added a great and beautiful depth to Paul’s letter, which is utilized at the climax of the story to show just how cleverly he uses persuasion to convince Philemon to do the right thing, despite the social and cultural norms of the time. The epilogue about theories regarding Onesimus’s later life really moved me at the end.
A must-read! I can’t read the book of Philemon the same.
August 6, 2020
Byron provides a story that tracks the runaway slave Onesimus and his master Philemon, to export the issues around slavery in the early church. He makes it plain that after the Jew/Gentile issues was settled the next frontier was inevitably how slaves might be equal members of the church with their owners, and other free people.
This book demonstrates that it could not have been easy to put into practise what Jesus taught about the place of serving, and his care for even slaves. That it is great value. The story of Paul, Onesimus and Philemon provides the central plotline but Barton wisely broadens out the narrative to tell us about how Paul's teaching would be very difficult to accept.
The book is full of informative 'sidebars' - at times they are too intrusive. Although not the main focus of the book, Barton does not really explain what drew people to the church - beyond it being an inclusive community. There is little here of the worship or prayer of the early church, let alone the bigger issues of salvation.
This book demonstrates that it could not have been easy to put into practise what Jesus taught about the place of serving, and his care for even slaves. That it is great value. The story of Paul, Onesimus and Philemon provides the central plotline but Barton wisely broadens out the narrative to tell us about how Paul's teaching would be very difficult to accept.
The book is full of informative 'sidebars' - at times they are too intrusive. Although not the main focus of the book, Barton does not really explain what drew people to the church - beyond it being an inclusive community. There is little here of the worship or prayer of the early church, let alone the bigger issues of salvation.
October 20, 2021
"A Week in the Life of a Slave" is hard to define. It is historical fiction. It is also a look at the practice of slavery in the New Testament era. Yet it is also a story that demonstrates a humble, nuanced theological look at a difficult issue.
In this book theologian and professor John Byron tells a speculative story about the escaped slave, Onesimus, who is the subject of the letter to his master, Philemon, that is contained in the New Testament. With a decently told story Professor Byron leads us through a basic lesson in first-century Roman culture, views and practices of slavery, how the church interacted with class and life situation differences, and more. While the professor doesn't wrestle deeply with the ethical question of slavery he does show us a plausible picture of how it actually played out in one of the first church communities.
This is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in the subject, and for those who like a decently well told story.
In this book theologian and professor John Byron tells a speculative story about the escaped slave, Onesimus, who is the subject of the letter to his master, Philemon, that is contained in the New Testament. With a decently told story Professor Byron leads us through a basic lesson in first-century Roman culture, views and practices of slavery, how the church interacted with class and life situation differences, and more. While the professor doesn't wrestle deeply with the ethical question of slavery he does show us a plausible picture of how it actually played out in one of the first church communities.
This is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in the subject, and for those who like a decently well told story.
June 10, 2020
This was an informative read with more historical comments than the other works in the series. However, the fiction was not as good as A Week in the Life of a Woman or Centurion. It wasn't bad, but the others (especially A Week in the Life of a Woman) were surprisingly good. Byron uses the story of Philemon and Onesimus to discuss the everyday life of a slave. It is often said that slavery in ancient days was not like slavery in pre-civil war America. In many ways that is true, but not when discussing the severity of the masters towards the slaves. Byron does not let you forget that these individuals were not hired hands. They were slaves and were treated as such. Byron makes some assumptions about the Philemon/Onesimus account to move the story that are likely inaccurate, but we are aware that this is historical fiction.
August 11, 2021
Though this book starts slow, once you figure out what is going on the story part of the book really grabs your attention.
This book is part fiction and part explanation about slavery in 1st century AD Rome. With numerous explanations of historical research, the novelized account of slavery in Bible times makes sense and becomes quite dramatic.
Now, whenever I see the word slave in the Bible, my mind likely will jump back to this book and what I learned about Roman slavery. I think Pauline references now will have a lot more impact than previously, so A Week in the Life of a Slave is not only informative and insightful, but influential and impactful.
I highly suggest reading this book!
This book is part fiction and part explanation about slavery in 1st century AD Rome. With numerous explanations of historical research, the novelized account of slavery in Bible times makes sense and becomes quite dramatic.
Now, whenever I see the word slave in the Bible, my mind likely will jump back to this book and what I learned about Roman slavery. I think Pauline references now will have a lot more impact than previously, so A Week in the Life of a Slave is not only informative and insightful, but influential and impactful.
I highly suggest reading this book!
February 22, 2021
Wonderful. Byron gives us historical fiction that teaches about slavery in the ancient world and in particularly in relation to Christianity in the first century. His account of the possible background of Philemon is more or less plausible (and he never suggests that this is how things happened), and beyond merely tackling the issue of slavery he presents us with some radical tenets of the Christian message that we would do well to remember today. This book exceeded my expectations.
July 24, 2019
I must admit I couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. It's very dry, dull reading. I think it would've reading easier if the information about the time period and religious information were placed in an index at the end of the book. I love reading fictionalized bible stories, but the story lacked warmth.
December 31, 2019
A great story filled with concise historical sidebars throughout. Byron does not avoid the ugliness of slavery in the ancient world, but contrasts the historical reality with the shocking social equality evident in Paul’s letters and the sayings of Jesus. A valuable introduction to the world of the New Testament from the perspectives of ancient slavery. Highly recommended.
January 3, 2020
Interesting take on this short biblical letter, def more about slavery than I first thought about, bringing insight into possible obstacles. Never really felt Philemon would have issues, but the case is well presented. Struggled a bit with following some names in the novel as to whose household they belonged.
September 1, 2020
I would rate this book 3.5 stars overall. There is some delightful storylines that parallel the story from the one chapter from Philemon. I think there are some too slow parts and some stretches in the filler of the story of Onesimus. Lots of good history articles throughout the book to understand slavery and master relationship during this time period.
November 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this read! I haven’t read a book like this that makes the pages of Scripture come alive under the context and time period it was written, with some dramatization and liberties taken, of course. Loved the historical facts and history provided in each chapter as well!
January 31, 2025
Overall, the book is quite helpful and enjoyable to read. The author takes some liberties that I think conflict with Paul's description of Philemon, and at times, it feels like he is reading modern sensibilities back into the ancient world. All in all, it is worth the read.
June 7, 2020
Ok story....good summary of the realistic role of a Roman slave in AD 50, good summary of Philemon as a backdrop
October 30, 2024
Interesting & ingenious
Byron creates an atmosphere where it is easy to imagine and understand the description of all the scenes and data that was shared through out the book.
Byron creates an atmosphere where it is easy to imagine and understand the description of all the scenes and data that was shared through out the book.
July 31, 2025
Insanely helpful for understanding the book of Philemon and the institution of slavery in the Greco-Roman world. The textbook style mini-blurbs were informative and clear, while also being worked into the narrative. This isn't a thrilling page-turner, but I was surprised at how invested I was in the story, considering that I knew how most of it was going to turn out. These creative-non-fiction Biblical scholarship books are fantastic, I wish more people knew about them.
September 18, 2020
By a professor and friend. I loved this and constantly found myself wishing we had this for like a million other people, topics. The color this adds to an otherwise awkward book (for me) is both helpful and deeply satisfying. Nice work JB. Now go write some more...
October 30, 2024
A wonderful journey into the life and setting of Onesimus. Exploring his relationships ship with Paul and adding a lot of color to his relationship with Philemon. Byron does an excellent job creating a setting that adds life to the words of Paul's letter
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