Philemon

June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Read: Philemon 

The book of Philemon presents an amazing example of the unity and reconciliation found only in the Gospel. Onesimus ran away as a slave, and possibly a thief (18). Somehow someway, Onesimus found Paul. Perhaps Onesimus found Paul because of the previous relationship with his master. We don’t really know how, where, when, or why Onesimus and Paul were joined up in Rome. All we know is that they were, and it was time to send Onesimus home.

Paul sent this letter with Onesimus, carried by Tychicus, who also delivered Colossians (Colossians 4:7–9). Who knows what Philemon might have felt when Onesimus walked back into his home—rage at the betrayal, contempt at the thievery—probably not many good feelings.

Paul’s letter has several important keys worth noting.

First, Paul widened the circle. Paul did not write to Philemon only. He wrote to Apphia and Archippus,, as well as the church that met in his house. Everyone was included in the process of reconciliation. That’s how it should be—the Lone Ranger attempt at relationships is not the way God designed it.

Second, Paul butters up Philemon, and the others, masterfully as we see in verses 4–7, “I hear of your love and of the faith…for all the saints…because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Basically, Paul is gushing at Philemon and the Ephesian church and how they take care of believers. Now, the slave, Onesimus, is a believer.

Paul makes an appeal in verses 8–16. By verse 17, Paul’s position is pretty clear. Philemon owes Paul everything as his spiritual father (19). In verse 20, Paul wants Philemon to refresh his heart as with the saints back in verse 7. Paul makes the strongest statement in verses 21–22, Paul has not asked Philemon to free Onesimus, however, it’s pretty clear that that’s his expectation. Verse 21 says, “You better obey, and, oh by the way, (v 22) I’ll be visiting soon.”

While many may say, “Oh, slavery in ancient Rome wasn’t like American slavery…” the truth is that both groups were thought of as property, not people, and had no rights of their own. Under both circumstances, killing a slave would be like destroying a valuable piece of farm equipment—it’s not illegal and you wouldn’t go to jail, it just cost you personally.

We are tempted to ask, “Why didn’t Paul outright condemn slavery?” The first answer is I don’t know. Secondly, it was a normal societal relationship. What Paul did do, and ultimately what led to the abolition of slavery in most modern countries, was show the value and humanity of slaves. All people are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), slave and free alike.

Church, we need to remember that fact. All people reflect the Imago Dei with all the dignity and value therein. We might disagree on politics, theology, parenting strategies, the usefulness of essential oils, etc. but everyone with whom we might disagree is worthy of our respect and deserves fair treatment. In a very difficult and divisive time, let us live in grace and truth, and be a light in a dark world.

By: Tyler Short

3 Comments


Christy - June 29th, 2021 at 4:53am

Paul calls himself a Prisoner to Christ and elsewhere he is a slave to God. As prisoners or enslaved by God, we are bonded to our Lord. We have submit or surrendered to Jesus. I think it is what is difficult for people I know who just wont accept Jesus as their Lord. They can’t make that final step. It requires humility and complete submission.



I think that Paul makes it clear that as brothers in Christ, Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, were all on the same level: bonded to Christ and Christ is their master. That is the only relationship that truly mattered.

Mike Pepper - June 29th, 2021 at 6:16am

Well said Christy! I love how Paul explains to Philemon in verses 15 & 16 that God has allowed a “bad thing” to accomplish something good.



v15 &16) Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.



This reminds me that when something “bad” happens, perhaps God is weaving together a good outcome and I just can’t see it yet.



As Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Naomi Austin - June 29th, 2021 at 9:16am

What a beautiful example of the brotherly love that we’re called to as Christians!

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