The Bryce Crawford Podcast: Scandalous Love (EP 187)

Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Bryce Crawford
Topic: Understanding the “Scandalous” Love of God through the Book of Philemon

Episode Overview

In this special Easter-themed episode, Bryce Crawford explores the depth and “scandalous” nature of God’s love as portrayed in the one-chapter New Testament book of Philemon. Bryce draws a line from an ancient story of redemption and mediation to the core message of the Gospel, emphasizing grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrificial love. The episode aims to reveal just how countercultural and radical the love of Christ is, especially for listeners who may feel undeserving of that love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Philemon’s Story (00:11 – 01:45)

• Context of Philemon: Bryce introduces the letter's background, highlighting its place in the Bible and its unique focus.
  • “If you were someone listening to this who doesn't know what the book of Philemon is, it is after Titus, before Hebrews… a letter that Paul wrote to his friend Philemon. And I believe that this letter is so… beautiful picture of the love of God.” (00:19)
• Historical Setting: The episode sets the scene: Philemon, a Christian, had a slave named Onesimus who ran away and encountered Paul while he was under house arrest.

2. Paul’s Heart Posture: Appeal, Not Command (01:45 – 04:40)

• Bryce reads and breaks down Philemon 8-14, emphasizing Paul’s approach to Philemon.
  • Paul, despite his authority, appeals in love rather than commanding obedience.
  • “I know my authority in Christ, but for the sake of love… I'm appealing to you to make the wisest decision…” (01:17)
• Sanctuary Law: He explains an ancient law: a runaway slave who finds sanctuary must either be returned or sold, but Paul suggests a third, radical way—grace.

3. Onesimus: From Runaway Slave to “Beloved Brother” (03:06 – 06:00)

• Redemption & Reconciliation:
  • Onesimus, formerly “useless,” is now “useful” (a play on the literal meaning of his name) after converting to Christianity.
  • Paul's desire: that Philemon welcomes back Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
  • "I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart… receive him not as your slave, but as your brother.” (03:45-06:00)
• Parallel to God’s Family: Jesus taught that true family consists of those who do the will of God.

4. A Profound Gospel Parallel (06:28 – 10:26)

• Radical Forgiveness: Bryce homes in on the heart of Paul’s plea.
  • Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes, paralleling Christ’s atonement for humanity’s sins.
  • “If he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it…” (07:14-07:32)
  • Bryce: “That is the beauty of the Gospel. You and I were once like Onesimus… But Jesus Christ says, ‘Hey, Father, if anyone has wronged you, charge it to my tab. I will pay you.’” (08:08)
• Scandalous Love Defined: The concept doesn’t make sense to our human, transactional minds but is the foundation of Christian faith.

5. Grace that Transforms, Not Excuses (11:33 – 13:28)

• Transformative Power of Grace:
  • Grace isn’t a license to sin, but fuel to pursue holiness (cf. Romans 6-8, Titus).
  • “The grace that Philemon will show to Onesimus will transform Onesimus in his faith… so much so that it will give him endurance and confidence to follow Jesus even though he's done wrong.” (12:16)
• Our Debt and Christ’s Payment:
  • No self-help or good works can pay our “infinite debt”—only Jesus’ sacrifice can.

6. The Resurrection of Love: Compelled to Respond (13:28 – 15:04)

• Christ’s Motivation: Love, not the physical agony, kept Jesus on the cross.
  • “It was love for you and me that made Jesus stay on the cross, that he could not get down because he couldn't fathom having relationship without you.” (13:29)
• Living Moved by the Gospel: Bryce challenges listeners never to “grow cold” to Christ’s love.
  • Citing Michael Culiano: “The name of Jesus Christ should move you. The Gospel should move you every time you hear.” (13:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Mediation of Christ:
  • “If he has done anything wrong or owes you anything, charge that to my account…I will repay it.” (Paul, Philemon 18-19, read by Bryce at 07:14-07:28)
  • “That is the beauty of the gospel. That is the beauty of God's love. That's why it's so scandalous. The love of God is so scandalous. Because it doesn't make sense.” (08:08)
• On Grace:
  • “Grace is not an excuse to sin… the grace of God actually fuels us to walk this thing out.” (11:33-12:16)
• Reflection on Jesus’ Sacrifice:
  • “It was love for you and me that made Jesus stay on the cross… and for the sake of you. That is scandalous love.” (13:29)
• On Becoming Moved by the Gospel:
  • “We should be sober to the reality of what Jesus has done. His name and his sacrifice and his resurrection, the defeating of sin and death, everything in his grace. We should be sober to it and moved by it every single time we think of it, talk about it, say his name.” (13:54)

Key Timestamps

• [00:11] – Introduction to Philemon and episode purpose
• [01:45] – Paul’s appeal rooted in love, not authority
• [03:06] – Onesimus’ transformation from slave to brother in Christ
• [06:28] – Parallels between Paul’s and Christ’s mediating roles
• [07:14] – “Charge that to my account”: the heart of the Gospel
• [08:08] – The “scandal” of God’s love explained
• [11:33] – How grace fuels obedience, not sin
• [13:29] – Jesus’ love as the sustaining power on the cross
• [13:54] – The need to stay moved by the Gospel
• [15:04] – Closing prayer for transformation by God’s love

Final Reflection

Bryce closes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, asking that the “scandalous love of God” would radically transform listeners:
“Would your love radically transform us from the inside out and would your grace fuel us to live this thing out called faith? God we love you, we thank you, we praise you in Jesus name amen.” (15:04)

In Summary:
This episode is a compelling meditation on undeserved grace, the power of forgiveness, and how God’s radical love—illustrated through an ancient story of a runaway slave—is still available to all who feel unworthy. Bryce’s passionate delivery urges every listener to let this “scandalous” love fuel and transform their faith beyond Easter and into daily life.