This little book (it's the third shortest book in the Bible, only to 2 John and 3 John) packs a very powerful punch! I urge you to take some time to read through it today -- the whole thing is less than one page long -- and it tells a very touching story of Paul writing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. Onesimus was Philemon's former slave, until he stole something from Philemon and ran away. This sin was punishable by death at the time! However, Onesimus met Paul as he was running away, and Paul introduced him to Christ. Onesimus and Paul became very close (vs. 16), and now Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon (also a Christ-follower) and urges him to extend grace to Onesimus now that he is their brother in Christ also. It's a must-read for sure!
One of the main things that sticks out to me is Paul's wise way of going about this letter. Out of the 25 verses in this book/letter, the first 10 verses are spent greeting his friend and building rapport. How often do we sometimes just want to get to the point? He encourages and appreciates Philemon first, which also serves as a reminder to Paul of what kind of man he knows Philemon to be.
He begins his appeal on behalf of Onesimus in verse 8 when we reminds Philemon that he could order him to deal with his runaway slave (Paul was an elder and apostle, so he had the authority to say that). But Paul would rather spur his Christian brother to not follow what the law says, but to do this gracious act toward Onesimus based on his commitment to Christ! We can do the same in the way we interact with people -- spur them on gently but boldly to behave in accordance with their commitment to Christ.
Paul also uses a bit of humor to keep the tone light. Read verse 11, knowing that Onesimus' name means "beneficial, profitable" and notice the play on words. Clever!
Verses 11-15, Paul begins to "make his case" using facts that might persuade Philemon's mind. Whenever we confront someone, it is always important to use the truth. The truth of the situation and the Truth of Jesus and his Word.
Paul wraps up he appeal (vs. 16-21) making points that might persuade Philemon's heart. We can hear the love in Paul's tone as he writes to Philemon, calling him "brother" and saying confidently that he knows Philemon will do even more than he asks. According to verse 19, Paul was the one who also lead Philemon to Christ, so he reminds Philemon that he owes Paul his very life.
But one other thing worth mentioning is that Onesimus is the one who would be carrying this letter (vs. 12), and Paul was in prison when he wrote it, so there was no seal on it. We could infer that at some point, whether Paul showed him the letter or he read it on his journey, Onesimus probably read this letter. Imagine him reading all that Paul says about him -- how much he loves him, that he's willing pay whatever debts he owes Philemon, and that his mentor is willing to urge his former owner not to have him killed for what he's done but to now call him a brother! Who are the younger believers in your life? Are you as invested in them as Paul is in Onesimus? Do these young believers need you to demonstrate such self-sacrifice toward them in any way -- encouragement, Bible study, prayer, support, or my favorite, a coffee date?
As you think about any current grievances in your life, let's look at a few verses again, but this time, read them as Jesus would write this appeal about YOU to the Father. Look at verses 17-19: "So if you consider me a partner, welcome _____ as you would welcome me. If _____ has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Jesus, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back..." Sound familiar? Or I should say, look familiar? This IS the cross.
We are to live as Jesus lived. Paul did that right here! Paul and Jesus both urge someone to show grace on the behalf on another. Who are you in this story -- Onesimus, the one who needs forgiveness; Philemon, the one who needs to show grace; or Paul, the one who needs to speak on behalf of another and charge a fellow believer to live as Christ?
What life can you speak over someone today?
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