Twice Freed

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

N. T. book Philemon comes alive in the story of a runaway slave.

Description

This book is based on the Biblical book of Philemon. It is the story of Onesimus. Other parts of the story are from some of St. Paul's other letters. The author has used her research and travels in Bible land to write the story. The story makes very real, the setting and times of the New Testament. The themes of jealousy, forgiveness, and the love of Jesus are all important parts of the story.

Onesimus is a slave of a rich man named Philemon. Onesimus grows from a young boy into manhood. He is jealous over Philemon's son, Archipus. Onesimus does not like being a slave. He wants to continue his friendship with the young girl, Eireene. Onesimus discovers that the objects worshiped by Romans do not meet his deep inner needs. He is searching for something, but not willing to believe in Jesus.

Onesimus injures Archipus. He steals his master's gold. Everyone thinks he has died in an earthquake in Laodicea. No one searches for him. Life is difficult on his own. He struggles to stay alive. He takes gladiator training so he can have food and a place to live. After years of turning away from Jesus, Onesimus discovers that only believing in Jesus can fill his deep inner needs.

Onesimus repents of his sins. He returns to his master who gives him his freedom because he is now a believer in Jesus. Onesimus is forgiven by Archipus. He renews his friendship with Eireene who has become a believer in Jesus too. They look forward to a future together.

Considerations

• The book would make a good radio drama series or an audio cassette book.
• Scripture is included in the story in a realistic way.
• The story shows the evils and dangers of the Roman Empire. Yet believers in Jesus show peace, gentleness, and love.
• In the book Christians are just beginning to face persecution for their beliefs.
• The author was a missionary nurse in North Africa for twenty-seven years. She did much traveling and visited each of the places described in Twice Freed. A website tells about her visits to Colossae, Laodicea, and Ephesus. See Kingsley Press and at their website click on Patricia St. John.

Limitations

Guidelines for Use

• Use as a radio drama series.
• Use as an audiocassette or CD book.
• Have the translated copy of Philemon ready to use.

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Cost

about $7.00 in May 2008

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

Author: Patricia St. John

Current copyright owner

Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Other Information

This publishing company is the administrators of the Patricia St. John estate.

Christian Focus Publications Ltd has printed a new edition of the paperback book. It has 224 pages. If you are interested in translating this book for a minority language, contact Christian Focus Publications Ltd. Working together you will make a Creative Commons License agreement.

Reviewed by

Vida, VMS Children's Resource Coordinator

Date

Feb. 2008