How To Treat One Who Has Wronged You Series

Onesimus’ name means, “profitable.” How ironic, because through sin, he became the opposite. Through sin he was worthless, a worker who cost his boss money. Who could trust him? Who would take him in? Who would give him a second chance for this “un profitable” worker.

Before Paul was thrown into prison he was under house arrest and it was there that he encounters Onesimus, who is now on the run. How their paths crossed we don’t know. It’s certainly worth speculating that while employed by Philemon, Onesimus would hear his master and others speak of the apostle. We know that Philemon and Paul were more than acquaintances as they shared an experience that goes beyond words as Paul had the privilege of leading Philemon into the kingdom of God. Paul was Philemon’s spiritual father, so how many times one can wonder did Onesimus hear of this great man of God during the church services in Philemon’s home? Though not a believer himself, could it be that Onesimus would view Paul as a potential resource for food and lodging? Maybe as someone just to talk with?

Or … maybe someone directed him to Paul.

Paul meets this unbelieving runaway slave, and Paul has the privilege of leading this one to become a Christian. Onesimus is now a changed man. He’s a new creature with a new Master. Changes take place in his life. We know that he kind of hits it off with the apostle, and even though he’s now looking at life through the eyes of someone who has eternal life, he nonetheless is still a runaway slave.

Often new Christians think that their conversion will erase their past. Yes we are now seen as spotless lambs, but this side of heaven, actions will still have to be accounted for, consequences paid, and sentences to be served.

And the apostle realizes this. So a letter is written and Onesimus is to return to his master, letter in hand. It’s Onesimus’ hope that Paul’s letter will serve as a credential that will reduce the consequences. Paul tells Philemon that he would like for Onesimus to remain in Rome with him, but he knows that reconciliation must occur between this new believer and his master before any address change will occur. The apostle also recognizes that Onesimus is facing serious charges upon his return as a runaway slave. His crime is punishable by death, and even if he were to keep his life, his reputation with Philemon and the townspeople would be damaged. If any chance for reconciliation were to take place, Onesimus would need some outside assistance. And Paul is going to provide that for him by way of his letter.

So a lot was riding on this letter! This short letter gives us two reasons of why reconciliation should take place between these two.

Reason #1 – It’s the right thing to do Philemon 1:4-7.

Paul writes:

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. [6] I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. [7] Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.