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| Philemon Memory Verses: Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 4:12 Good Morning Brothers and Sisters, Remember, the next book will be the Gospel of Mark. Today we start a new book, actually a very interesting little book. Philemon was apparently a rather wealthy man since his house was large enough to house a church, and he owned slaves. Remember, slaves at that time were considered property. If a slave stole from his master or ran away he could be executed for the purpose of keeping the other slaves in line. That they were human was irrelevant, they were the property of a person, and basically did not have any rights. Paul writes to Philemon begging for the life of a brother who apparently was a run-a-way slave, and who had apparently stolen from his master, v. 18. If you look carefully, you can see that Paul equates Onesimus as a brother and as an equal, he also views Philemon as a brother and as an equal. Therefore, a slave, who is property of another is equal to his master, as well as equal to a great apostle, in a nutshell, all three are equals. Paul seems to be hedging not only for Onesimus to be forgiven, but also to be freed. Philemon 1-3 Paul sends a standard greeting, he addresses the letter to Philemon, and to Apphia, Archippus, and the church that is in his house. This is the first appeal that Paul makes to accountability. He is not just writing to Philemon, he is appealing to everyone else that is associated with him as well in his plea for Onesimus. Philemon 4-7 Paul establishes the position that Philemon has in the church, how that he demonstrates faith and agape love through his life. Paul comments on how he has personally gained as a direct result of this great brothers life in Christ. As a matter of fact, v. 6 is rather difficult to translate, "he koinonia" would be better translated "active in the sharing" of his faith. As a result of that, he would come to a deeper understanding "in the sphere" of Christ. Note also in v. 7 how Philemon had "refreshed" the saints. This is the same word that Jesus used in Matthew 11:28. Philemon 8-9 Paul states that he could order Philemon to do what is right, but that would not be proper, therefore he is appealing to Philemon to do what is right. He reminds Philemon that he is a prisoner of Christ, and as an act of agape love toward him, his following request is made known. Philemon 10-16 The plea for Onesimus. Paul has established that Philemon is responsible as a Christian to do the right thing, he appealed to him and those around him who had influence on him. Now he gives the background on Onesimus. Paul considers him to be his spiritual child, v. 10. Onesimus was useless before, as a thief, v. 18 and a run-a-way, and now he has value both to Paul and to Philemon. But now, Onesimus has been born again, and as a child of God, he was seeking to right the wrongs from before. Paul had sent him back to Philemon with this request. Not only does Paul speak for Onesimus, he also states that Onesimus had demonstrated the Christian life with him, and felt that it was right for him to return of his own free will to his master. He appeals to Philemon as a Christian brother that the reason for him leaving in the first place was so that God would be able to save his soul, v. 15-16. Onesimus is now regarded as a beloved brother, and no longer a slave by Paul, and he appeals to Philemon for him to follow suit. Philemon 17-20 Paul calls in markers on the behalf of Onesimus. Paul is willing to pay the debt of Onesimus who is unable to pay the debt. He will count it as a pleasure in that Onesimus is forgiven. Philemon 21-25 Paul reminds Philemon that he is responsible before God in regard to Onesimus. And he also reminds him that he is coming for a visit. The underlying statement being that I am coming so be sure to do the right thing. Then in v. 25, he reminds Philemon of the grace of the Lord and encourages him to follow suit. All in all, what is the point of this book? We can see that Paul pulls out all the stops to protect Onesimus, he even makes it a point to address the letter to the entire church in order to hold Philemon accountable for his decision. Philemon would have been well within his rights to have Onesimus executed for his crimes. But why was this book allowed in the Bible? I think that the purpose was so that we could get a view of what grace is really all about. Onesimus is a study in grace. He deserved to die account he committed crimes worthy of death. He was a slave, and had no hope at all. He was redeemed by our Savior, and as a result of that, was given favor which he did not work for. Maybe that is over simplifying the letter, but how else would you view it? Any other suggestions? Paul did not build into this book the condensed Roman doctrines as he did in Titus and Timothy. His main purpose for the book was to protect his brother and his friend. Lord, as we all come before You, we thank You for the salvation of our souls. We also pray that You will give us the heart that Philemon had in ministering to all the saints. Thank You Jesus for this study. In Him, Joe Turner |
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