A Plea For Onesimus (Philemon)

How do we act as Christians in the midst of political and social corruption? How should Philemon handle the delicate matter of a runaway slave, now converted and a brother in Christ, yet who was still under some kind of legal obligation to serve out his term as a slave? Was Philemon the host of a house church? Were the hearts of the saints refreshed through him? Was Onesimus once useless but now a brother in the faith? Was Paul pleading for mercy on behalf of this former slave? How should we treat each other? Let’s find out in the letter to Philemon.

Who wrote this letter? Who was it to? Was he the host of a house church?

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philemon 1-3 WEB)

What praise did Paul and Timothy have of Philemon? Did he refresh the people in the church? Did Paul approach this delicate situation with all apostolic authority or as a friend pleading on behalf of a brother?

Philemon, I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers because I’ve heard of your love and faithfulness, which you have both for the Lord Jesus and for all God’s people. I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ. I have great joy and encouragement because of your love, since the hearts of God’s people are refreshed by your actions, my brother. (Philemon 4-7 CEB)

Who did Paul make an appeal to? On whose behalf? Onesimus means useful. Was he once useless for some reason?

Christ gives me the courage to tell you what to do. But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone in jail for Christ, I beg you to help Onesimus! He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail. Before this, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. (Philemon 8-11 CEV)

Is Onesimus going back to Philemon? Did Paul compel Philemon or let him make his own mind up?

I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. (Philemon 12-14 ESV)

Was Onesimus Philemon’s slave, who has through baptism, now become his brother?

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (Philemon 15-16 HCSB)

How does Paul encourage Philemon to treat his former slave? In a world without welfare, being a slave to a good master was often a means of security.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. (I will not mention to you that you owe me your very life.) Yes, brother, I desire this favor from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Messiah! Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you because I know that you will do even more than I ask. (Philemon 17-21 ISV)

Does Paul expect to see him soon? Was Philemon known for his hospitality?

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philemon 22-25 KJV)

How do we act as Christians in the midst of political and social corruption? How should Philemon handle the delicate matter of a runaway slave, now converted and a brother in Christ, yet who was still under some kind of legal obligation to serve out his term as a slave? Was Philemon the host of a house church? Were the hearts of the saints refreshed through him? Was Onesimus once useless but now a brother in the faith? Was Paul pleading for mercy on behalf of this former slave? How should we treat each other? You decide!