The Useful One
Philemon 1-21
Who is Onesimus?
Photo by Mahdi Bafande on Unsplash
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to 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. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love-- and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back 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. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 0 Philemon 1-21
The very name of this former slave, Onesimus, tells something about him. His name means useful one.
But Onesimus stole from his master, Philemon, and escaped, winding up in Rome, where Paul was imprisoned.
It is interesting how God leads those in need of redemption to those who can help them, and that is what happened with Onesimus and Paul.
On the surface, this appears to be a story about a slave who was given his freedom. That alone is a great story. It gives us a strong example of how we should treat one another, but there is a deeper meaning here.
Paul is sending Onesimus back to his former master as a free man, a brother in Christ.
Philemon is put on the spot. He runs a church in his home. He accepts the lost into his home and gives them a chance at salvation through Christ, and here he is confronted with a decision. Does he accept Onesimus who wronged him back into the fold, not as a slave but as a brother?
Paul has created a strong example of Christ's mission and love. If you truly believe, you must accept this man.
Paul promises to pay any debt on Onesimus's behalf, just as Jesus paid for our sins.
If you believe what you preach, you have to accept this man as one of you.
Wow.
How could Philemon refuse?
Imagine that. Paul is in prison and he still manages to change lives remotely.
We should all be like him.
More to come...