Philemon

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45)

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other books of the Bible

Introduction: Written by Paul in AD 61, this letter is an appeal for the freedom of another: Onesimus a runaway slave - from his master Philemon, while Paul himself is in prison. While 25-40% of those under the Roman system were slaves (and Onesimus, having stolen from his master and run, warranted death in that evil system), some had become Christians, including Philemon, and now Onesimus, and it is on that basis that Paul appeals to Philemon.

Practical and Pastoral Observations on Philemon (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

Philemon

A public request: Paul writes to Philemon (v.1) and Apphia (presumably his wife) and Archippus, a leader in the Colossian church (Col 4:17) and perhaps Philemon's son, and the entire church meeting in Philemon's home (v.2). This is not a private request which could be privately denied. The Christian community has public accountability.

An active faith: Philemon is a man of faith which has shown itself in love (v.5) and generosity (v.6). Both Paul and the church have often been refreshed by Philemon's kindness (v.7).

The strength of Paul's appeal: Paul seeks Philemon's willing consent (v.14) to a request which he could demand (v.8). Paul also appeals to his circumstance as an old man suffering hardship in prison (v.9) and in need of help. Furthermore, Paul had in Christ brought to Philemon the salvation of his soul (v.19).

Paul's appeal: kindness to Onesimus (v.10), a man who was a slave of Philemon and a spiritual son to Paul. While in prison Paul had led Onesimus to Christ which made Onesimus a spiritual brother to Philemon. The tension between slavery and the Gospel is apparent. Yet Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon (v.12) with the request that Philemon welcome Onesimus as he would Paul (v.17) and set Onesimus free to serve Paul in prison, no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ.

Onesimus' debt: Onesimus may have stolen from Philemon (v.18) and certainly has run away. Paul mirrors Christ's payment of our debt of sin by offering to pay any debt of Onesimus in full (v.19).

The fact that Paul's challenge to slavery was based in the Gospel of Christ is reinforced by history in that no other worldview (excepting humanism which is born of the Gospel) has rejected slavery. In Roman culture where 25-40% of the population were slaves, this economic power could not be successfully addressed by any means other than the death of Christ for all.

Face-to-Face: Paul reminds Philemon of the expectation that he will look into Philemon's eyes, either when Paul is released from prison (v.22) or in the life to come. It is Paul's desire that their fellowship will be unbroken, personally, with all the Body of Christ and with Onesimus.

Personal Response: I will value those my society does not value because Christ valued them as His own life and blood.

My Prayer: Father, that I may love the lowest "castes" of our world, the wealthy, selfish and powerful, the hard right and left, the misguided and those deceived by the occult and dark sciences - all, in Christ and because of Christ, that He may create the one new humanity which we cannot.