SCRIPTURE: PHILEMON
INTRODUCTION:
Philemon was a leader of the church at Colosse and a friend of Paul. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave, who had stolen money from him and had run away to Rome. While he was there, he met Paul and became a Christian. Paul wanted to send Onesimus back to his master Philemon. Paul appealed Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to treat him as a brother in Christ instead of a runaway slave. Paul served as a reconciler by offering to pay what Onesimus had owed Philemon.
This letter of Paul was addressed to Philemon, his friend and fellow worker, to Apphia, a sister, to Archippus, his fellow soldier and to the church that meets at the home of Philemon.
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 4-7)
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
PAUL’S PLEA FOR ONESIMUS (vs. 8-25)
Onesimus was a runaway slave of Philemon. But he became a convert of Paul and Paul consider him his son while he was in chain. He wanted to send Onesimus back to Philemon with this appeal. “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back – not to mention that you owe me your very self.” (vs. 18-19). When Onesimus returned, Paul wanted Philemon not to consider him as a slave, but as a dear brother in the Lord.
He closed his letter with greetings sent by Epaphras, Paul’s fellow prisoner in Christ, his fellow workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke.
THOUGHTS:
Philemon was a Greek landowner living in Colosse. He was converted by Paul and became a Christian. He opened his home for the Colossian believers to meet together in Christian fellowship. He had a runaway slave named Onesimus whom Paul had converted into a believer in Rome. Paul wanted to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus to become members of God’s family. Reconciliation means reestablishing relationship by breaking the barriers. Christ can transform our hopeless relationships into deep and loving friendships.
Paul genuinely loved Onesimus and showed his love by personally guaranteeing payment for any stolen goods or wrongs for which Onesimus might be responsible. Are there some believers who need you to demonstrate such self-sacrifice towards them? You can invest in the lives of others by helping them with Bible study, prayer, encouragement, support and friendship.