PHILEMON

Greeting PAUL, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellow labourer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon's Love and Faith I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. The Plea for Onesimus Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you - being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ - I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. For perhaps he depar-ted for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave - a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon's Obedience Encouraged If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes any-thing, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay - not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Having confidence in your obe-dience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Farewell Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow labourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. BACKGROUND This letter is Paul's personal appeal to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave-owner. It appears that Philemon had been converted under Paul's ministry (v. 19), that he resided in Colosse, and that the Colossian church met in his house (v. 2). Onesimus, one of his slaves, had fled to Rome, apparently after damaging or stealing his master's property (vv. 11, 18). In Rome, Onesimus came in contact with the imprisoned Paul, who led him to Christ (v. 10). Paul eventually wrote to the church in Colosse and evidently included this letter on Onesimus's behalf. Tychicus and Onesimus apparently delivered both letters. See Colossians 4:7-9; Philemon 12. The close relationship between Paul and Philemon is evidenced by their mutual prayers (vv. 4, 22) and an "open door" hospitality (v. 22). Love, trust, and respect characterized their friendship (vv. 1, 14, 21). Slavery was an accepted economic and social reality in the Roman world. A slave was his master's property, without rights. Under Roman law, runaway slaves could be severely punished and even condemned to death. Slave uprisings in the first century resulted in fearful and suspicious owners. While the early Christian church did not directly attack the institution of slavery, it recorded the relationship between master and slave. Both were equal before God (Gal. 3:28), and both were accountable for their behaviour (Eph. 6:5-9). OCCASION AND DATE Paul wrote this letter during his first Roman imprisonment about A.D. 61. He desired a genuine Christian reconciliation between a wronged slave-owner and a forgiven slave. Paul tactfully, yet urgently, interceded for Onesimus and expressed complete confidence that Philemon's faith and love would result in restoration (vv. 5, 21). PURPOSE Paul's primary goal was to see Philemon freely embrace the fugitive Onesimus as a brother in Christ. He also expressed joy in Philemon's ministry and encouraged him to continue (vv. 4-7). The apostle made clear his desire for Onesimus to stay with him, but insisted on reconciliation first (vv. 13, 14). CHARACTERISTICS While the shortest of Paul's epistles, Philemon is a deep revelation of Christ at work in the lives of Paul and those around him. The tone is one of warm, personal friendship rather than apostolic authority. It reveals how Paul politely yet firmly addressed a central issue of the Christian life, namely love through forgiveness, in a very sensitive situation. It presents Paul's persuasion in action. CONTENT The epistle is a hallmark expression of true Christian relationships. After personally greeting Philemon and his fellow believers, Paul expresses thanksgiving for their love and faith toward Christ and their fellow believers. Brotherly love often requires practical grace and mercy, and Paul soon comes to this point. He explains the conversion of Onesimus and the slave's new value in the ministry and family of Jesus Christ (vv. 12-16). This transformation, along with Paul's deep friendship with both men, is the basis for a new beginning. This is no shallow appeal by Paul, for he writes a "blank cheque" on behalf of Onesi-mus for any outstanding debts (vv. 17-19). He brings the petition to a close knowing that Philemon's love and character will prevail. As he concludes, one can sense the unity of the Spirit among all the saints involved. PERSONAL APPLICATION This work presents the incredible power of Christ to bring healing to broken lives. It includes the personal reunion between Jesus Christ and the runaway sinner, as well as the wonderful restoration of two believers who were formerly separated. Only with Christ's example of forgiveness through the Cross are we able to overcome our hurts and mistakes and be reconciled to our brothers and sisters in Christ. CHRIST REVEALED This epistle powerfully applies the message of the gospel. Once an estranged slave, Onesimus is now "a beloved brother" in Christ as well (v. 16). Philemon is challenged to show the same unconditional pardon that he received through the grace and love of Jesus. Paul's offer to pay a debt that was not his own on behalf of a repentant slave is a clear picture of the work of Calvary. Paul's intercession is furthermore analogous to Christ's ongoing intercession with the Father on our behalf. THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK While not specifically mentioned in Philemon, the Holy Spirit was definitely active in Paul's ministry and in the life of the Church. It is the Holy Spirit who baptizes all believers, whether slave or free, into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); and Paul applies this truth to the lives of Philemon and Onesimus. Love, a fruit of the Spirit, is evident throughout the letter. GROWING IN GODLINESS Sharing Jesus with others gives us a deeper insight into our inheritance in Christ. The godly person is immediately available for restored relationships. Sharing your home, food, and possessions with strangers is a greater blessing to the ones who show hospitality than it is to the ones who receive it. Understand that by sharing your faith in Jesus, you gain a fuller understanding of your inheritance in Christ. Practise instant forgiveness of those who have offended you. Make room for the restoration of broken relationships. Practise hospitality. Provide lodging for travelling servants of God. - New Spirit-filled Life Bible, NKJV, Ed. Jack W Hayford, 2002, Thomas Nelson Inc.