Philemon 1:11–25

Philemon 1:11–25

This little letter is so filled with emotion that when we notice, we can’t help but be moved by it. There were no guarantees that things would have a happy ending. By law, Onesimus could have been put to death. In fact, his death would have been expected and almost required by Roman law and culture. Paul and especially Onesimus were taking a huge risk. While it is not possible to adequately address all the fascinating nuances we might like, we do need to notice there are three themes that we can emulate in our lives.

First is setting aside privilege to accomplish purpose. When it comes to Christian credentials, no one stands taller than Paul. In 2 Corinthians 11 and Philippians 3, Paul points out his pedigree to those who would challenge his apostolic authority. But here he sets aside any reference or indication of his unique privileged calling and position. He did this so that the reunion of Onesimus and Philemon would be one of grace and love and not coercion and force.

Second, Paul appeals to the brotherhood of believers. It is as if Paul says, “If you believe that I am your brother, then Onesimus, my brother, is your brother as well.” Paul does not demand Onesimus must be accepted back and forgiven. And he certainly doesn’t call for his being set free. But he does ask that he be received as a brother. In too many of our faith relationships, the bond we have is so shallow and thin that the least little thing will break it. Paul wants a bond between these two believers, and ideally between all believers, that is so strong that the strongest non-Christian bond is pale in comparison.

The third pattern we see in Paul that we need to express in our lives is that of personal involvement. We often prefer very shallow relationships so that others don’t make demands on us. We would prefer to give a beggar a few coins in answer to the cardboard request than to work in a homeless shelter. This approach does not demand much from us but makes us feel good about ourselves. Paul, on the other hand, gets neck-deep involved in this messy affair between Philemon and Onesimus. Paul even offers to pay any debt Onesimus may have incurred. Where is a poor traveling evangelist and occasional prisoner like Paul going to get the money? Perhaps he would sell himself into slavery to Philemon. For Paul, Christianity was never a call to detached expressions or thoughts but was deeply personal and intimately involved.

“Lord, help me to live a deep and strong relationship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. AMEN”

Philemon 1:1-11

Philemon 1:1-11

None of us live as if we were on a desert island alone, influencing no one. Everything we do, at every level, touches and impacts those around us. No one is autonomous and truly independent. Rather, we live in a web of relationships and connections. Oftentimes the most powerful things we do, in terms of their impact on these relationships, are things we didn’t expect to be especially meaningful to others. This letter from Paul to Philemon is personal but not private. Philemon‘s life has influenced and impacted many disciples. What he does in response to this issue of his runaway slave will also have a profound impact. Not only on himself and on Onesimus, the runaway slave, but also on his wife and son, the church that meets in their home, on Paul, and on every church for years to come, and incidentally the church’s opposition to slavery. The impact of this one incident would have a ripple effect that will last for all eternity. We must approach every moment with the realization that it could be the turning point of history.

Verse six is a profound and powerful witness to us and a guide to which we need to listen. The word translated “fellowship” in the NASB or “sharing” and the NIV can also be translated as “communication”. Paul wants Philemon’s sharing of his faith to be effective. The word means “production,” “productive,” or “energetic.” It was used to describe a field that was plowed or cultivated and ready to make a good crop. So what happens, and how does Philemon become “effective” in communication of the faith? More personally, what happens when we become effective in communicating the faith? We learn all the good that is in us by sharing it! This can be a little confusing till we realize that the best things of our faith are not comprehended until we live them out in the experience of the faith. If we want to understand the magnificent beauty of God‘s redemption of us, we will do that best when we share that goodness with sinners. If we want to wrap our minds around the love that God has for our fellow man, we do that when we express that love to fallen people. If you want to appreciate the wonder of God’s forgiveness, you should forgive those who hurt you. While reading about the gospel is great, there are parts of it we can never comprehend by mere study. The experience of living the Gospel, of practicing grace, will inform us and our understanding of that grace. 

“Lord, grant me to live the Gospel of Grace. AMEN