John Hines

The book of Philemon is seemingly different than most of Paul’s letters.  We say seemingly, because at first glance, it seems like it was written to an individual rather than a congregation. Yet in his introduction we read, “To Philemon… and to the church in your house” (1,2). Apparently, there were things all the congregation could learn from. In the account we have 3 characters. We have Paul in prison, Onesimus – a run-away slave who had become a Christian, and Philemon – Onesimus’ master. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon. What can we learn from the 3 men?

• Paul in prison – What a wonderful thing that Paul, though he could command Philemon, he chose rather to appeal to him to do the right thing (8,9). There is a time for commandments, but there is also a time to simply appeal. Everything has a season. Paul was an old man, an old prisoner, and yet he had continued

to work for he had converted Onesimus (10)! Let us work diligently in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. As Paul sent his brother back, he was sending back someone he wished to keep. Onesimus had ministered to Paul (13). In doing the right thing, it would make Paul’s life more difficult. That is often the case. Paul recognized God’s providence in all these things in just 1 word: “perhaps” (15).

• Onesimus the slave – What faith and trust this man must have had to be carrying this letter back to his master! Bearing fruit worthy of repentance can be difficult and awkward. Zacchaeus spoke of restoring four-fold (Lk. 19:8). The prodigal was content to be a servant (Lk. 15:19). It is humbling to come to the wronged party in repentance, but it must be done. Onesimus may have been returning to slavery. If that was what happened, praise the Lord that we can be faithful whether slave or free (1 Cor. 7:21,22). Onesimus had become a Christian and had been a much needed help to Paul. But he would have to leave him to do what was right, a hard thing to do.

• Philemon the master - Paul was confident (21) that his beloved friend would do the right thing, “for love’s sake” (9). He had suffered wrong, but surely Paul had suffered more (9). He now had a choice to make, and it was a voluntary choice rather than by compulsion (14). He had lost a slave but gained a brother, and Paul hoped he would receive Onesimus gracefully. Onesimus may owe a debt, but Philemon did too (19), spiritually speaking. Paul was confident that his friend would “do even more than I say” (21).

What a wonderful liberality we have, not free from doing what is right, but not being limited in how much right we do. Let us always be looking to see how we can do even more for Jesus who did more than we ever will.