Insight Into the Scriptures
This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon. It was written by Paul (1:19) around 60AD. It is a very private and personal letter to Philemon.
The background of this story revolves around Onesimus, who was a slave for Philemon. Onesimus stole something from his master; Philemon, and ran away. Onesimus then met up with Paul in Rome, and became a believer, he then asked Paul who was a good friend of Philemon, to write a letter to Philemon on Onesimus' behalf.
Now, Philemon had every right to have Onesimus killed for this. But, Paul does something very radical, not only does he ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus, but he asks him to free him now that he is a believer.
This is the last letter we will read from Paul. As we were talking yesterday how Paul starts his letters, did you notice how he started Philemon? "Paul a Prisoner of Jesus Christ." How does that strike you? This was Paul's first time in Prison..... maybe it was his way of accepting it was God's will for him to be in there??
I also got a chuckle in 1:23, can't you see Paul writing this letter in prison, when his friend Epaphras says, "Hey Paul, who are you writing?" Paul replies "Philemon." Epaphras says, "Oh yea, I know that dude, tell him I said "Hi" for me." Heh Heh Heh The picture to the left is a picture of prisons in Rome, possibly where Paul may have been imprisoned.
I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 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. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 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 man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
Thought for the Day
At first glance you might read this very short book very quickly, and think "Big deal, it is about Paul and a slave." But, if you peel away a layer, it is a story of grace and forgiveness. Then if you peel another layer away, it is a story about Christ, us, and our brothers and sisters.
Paul represents Christ, Onesimus represents our brothers and sister, and we would represent Philemon. Do you have a brother or sister who have wronged you? Or maybe at the time this brother or sister was a slave to sin, and hurt you badly. Since then, this brother of sister of yours has come to know Jesus on more of a personal level (1:10-11), they have prayed to Christ to please forgive them, and help mend the relationship with you.
Christ is speaking to your heart to forgive this person, and accept them as one of your own. (1:16) Christ even goes as far as telling you that I will/have paid for his wrong doings, (1:18-19) I have faith that you will do that, and more. (1:21) And when you do forgive this brother or sister and let them go, prepare room for Me in your heart, as you let this go there will be an empty spot that I would love to fill. (1:22)
I do not know if you are carrying around this load that Christ is asking you to give Him. Maybe you are right with your brothers and sisters, but if there ever comes a time when you are hurt, remember the story of Philemon and Onesimus.
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