Meditation

Hi there,

Paul persuades by creating subtle contrasts and highlighting dynamic tensions in his relationship with Philemon.

They are partners in the gospel, yet one is "in chains" and the other is free. Paul is "old" and cast out from society, Philemon is young and at the center of his.

To Paul Onesimus has become a "son" and now Paul is inviting Philemon to take Onesimus back, also in a changed condition, as a "brother."

Having leant heavily on these contrasts the whole letter turns on Paul asking Philemon to see and to subvert another. The contrast between the law and grace.

Both Roman law and the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament gave Philemon the right to punish a runaway slave. But this new covenant of grace allows both master and slave to become equals as "brothers" in the body of Christ.

Today's text is Philemon 12-16

Philemon

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Encouragement

Paul mentions twice in this letter that he could order Philemon to accept Onesimus back, but rather he chooses to request Philemon to extend grace to him.

The story of Onesimus and Philemon is a beautiful picture of the distinction between law and grace. Paul’s is appealing for Onesimus as Christ appeals for us.

Paul's appeal makes no case for Onesimus. It makes a case for grace.

Just as Onesimus had an advocate in Paul, so we have an advocate in Christ.

​
​Andy

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