“No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” (Philemon 1:16)
Just before the Book of Hebrews is one of the most wonderful books in the Bible, the Book of Philemon.
Actually, Philemon hardly qualifies for a book. It’s only 25 verses and originally was a letter from the Apostle Paul to a friend, who was a wealthy resident of the City of Colosse.
Interestingly, this very personal letter to Philemon was written while Paul was in prison. It’s one of his four so-called “Prison Epistles” and was penned along with the Books of Ephesians and Colossians during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
Philemon had a slave, Onesimus, who had robbed him, made his way to Rome, and somehow met Paul.
Paul led Onesimus to the Cross and saw how salvation had changed him. But repentance and service were not enough. Onesimus was still a thief and a runaway slave, and had to return to Colosse and face Philemon.
Philemon was also a Christian, and just like Onesimus, his salvation experience was a direct result of Paul’s ministry.
Paul relied on the special bond between two believers, one having led the other to the Cross; and God gave him and us a unique opportunity to see that Christian reconciliation can happen, even when the relationship between two believers is about as strained as it can get.
As an Apostle, Paul could have used his authority and demanded that Philemon forgive Onesimus. But Paul teaches us that any forgiveness that is forced can’t last. That’s what he meant when he said, “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.” (Philemon 8-9)
Paul understood that faith is the basis for reconciliation. He emphasized to Philemon that while Christian love is the motivating factor for forgiveness, salvation provides the basis for it. “I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.” (Philemon 5)
In many ways Onesimus was like all of us before we found Christ: rotten to the core. In fact, his very name means “useful”, yet without Christ he was useless. It’s here that Paul reminds us that changed lives are always useful to God. “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful.” (Philemon 11)
When a member is added to God’s family, differences that once loomed as large as life itself should no longer distance us. Paul knew that Philemon could not be forced to forgive Onesimus, but he also knew that his faith would not allow him to withhold forgiveness. “Confident of your obedience,” he said, “I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” (Philemon 21)
So why in heaven’s name would God let a letter to the owner of a slave become a book in the Bible? Well if you are a believer, then you already know the answer: We are all slaves who have been set free by the love of Christ and are now useful to Him. That’s why the Bible says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
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