Philemon
Philemon
Paul
AUDIENCE:
Philemon
PURPOSE:
To convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to accept him back as a brother in the faith.
The book of Philemon highlights an incredible story about a runaway slave who becomes a Christian and returns to his master, who is also a Christian. Onesimus, an oppressed slave, ran away from Philemon, who owned all rights to his freedom. Along the way Onesimus met Paul, who led him to Christ and told him to return to his master. Paul also gave Onesimus this letter for Philemon, asking him to welcome Onesimus home with full acceptance and forgiveness, even pledging to pay whatever debt Onesimus owed him.
Onesimus must have thought, Return home! What runaway slave would do such a thing, knowing it could cost him his life?
Paul skillfully stepped into the abusive practice of slavery and navigated a relational path adorned with the beauty of forgiveness. He boldly displayed Christ’s love in challenging both men to rise above the cultural expectations because they were united in Christ. This is the beauty of the story—Onesimus was called to show his master the same grace that Philemon was being asked to show Onesimus. The unspoken word between the lines is forgiveness.
SUFFERING AND DISABILITY THEMES
The power of forgiveness. Paul’s letter delicately addresses the need for forgiveness on both sides of a situation fraught with sin, fear, and cultural expectations. The apostle’s counsel gives us a model for dealing with any difficult relationship. Restoring the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon was something that could only happen because of Christ’s forgiveness.
Practice spiritual parenting. Onesimus, a slave, became a believer through Paul’s influence while the apostle was imprisoned. This made Onesimus Paul’s child in the faith. Although Paul wanted Onesimus to stay with him, the apostle sent his son in the faith back to Philemon, his Christian master, believing that it was in Onesimus’s best interest. In so doing, Paul sent his heart to Philemon as well ()!
Greetings from Paul
1This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.
I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, 2and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.
3May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
4I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 6And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
8That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 9But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. 11Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. 12I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
13I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 15It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 16He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
17So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!
20Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
21I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! 22One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
Paul’s Final Greetings
23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. 24So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
25May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.