PHILEMON

PHILEMON

PHILEMON

Providence. While a prisoner in Rome, Paul met Onesimus (“unprofitable” [v. 11]), a runaway slave who belonged to Philemon, a friend Paul had led to Christ (v. 19). Paul won Onesimus to Christ and sent him back to his master in Colosse (Col. 4:7–9). The providence of God is amazing, that Paul and Onesimus should meet in the great city of Rome! Perhaps Philemon’s prayers brought the men together (v. 22). Philemon certainly saw Romans 8:28 in action!

Friendship. Paul has so much good to say about Philemon. He was a beloved friend, a man of faith and love, a refreshing Christian, a praying man, a man who obeyed God’s will. Can your friends say these things about you?

Reconciliation. According to Roman law, Onesimus could have been executed for his crimes. But he had become a brother in Christ, and Philemon had to forgive him and take him back. True reconciliation is not cheap; there is a price to pay. Paul knew this and was willing to pay the price himself. Can God use you as a reconciler? Are you willing to pay the price?

Accepted and Redeemed

Two statements in Paul’s letter to Philemon remind us of what Jesus did for us. “Receive him [Onesimus] as you would me” (v. 17) reminds us that we are “accepted in the Beloved” (Eph. 1:6). “Put that on my account” (v. 18) reminds us that Jesus paid the price for our redemption (Rom. 4:1–8; 2 Cor. 5:21).

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