Paul wrote this letter as a plea for a runaway slave of Philemon’s named Onesimus. He had stolen from Philemon then ran away to Rome where he met Paul. Subsequently he accepted Christ as his Savior, so Paul was writing this letter as he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but he wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
This letter is an example of grace in how it demonstrates the action of true Christian fellowship through the power of Christ.
In verses 8-9:
Paul could have commanded Philemon to accept Onesimus back but instead he used diplomacy. He based his request on the Christian commitment of Philemon for they were brothers in Christ. Paul was not looking for Philemon to obey grudgingly, but to agree with Christian love. We see this in the statement “for love’s sake.” This is the brotherly Christian love that they had for each other.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:6, Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
In verses 10-11:
In biblical times, a master could kill a runaway slave, and that is why Onesimus was afraid of returning to Philemon. Paul was writing the letter to explain the new relationship with Onesimus for he was now a brother in Christ, and not just a slave.
Paul had been in prison when Onesimus accepted Christ. So, Paul was asking Philemon to forgive him and accept him as a brother. Christians are to forgive those as we have been forgiven. Genuine forgiveness implies we treat the one we have forgiven as we would want to be treated. Have we treated those we have forgiven with kindness or are they still isolated from us?
The name Onesimus means useful or profitable. This says Onesimus had not been useful/profitable as a slave, but now that he is a brother in Christ, he is profitable/useful to both Paul and Philemon.
• Matthew 6:12, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
• Ephesians 4:31-32, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
In verses 12-13:
Paul is requesting that Philemon accept Onesimus as though he were accepting Paul. In addition, Paul expresses that he wanted to have kept Onesimus with him since Paul was in jail at the hour of composing the letter and that Onesimus could minister to him.
• Philippians 1:7, Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
• Philippians 2:30, Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
In verses 14-15:
Paul is stating that he would not keep Onesimus with him since it would not be correct however on the off chance that Philemon wanted to send him back to Paul was acceptable. Albeit Onesimus was yet a slave as indicated by Roman law, his status and relationship with Philemon was presently extraordinary, for he was currently a brother in Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 9:7, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
• Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Are there any barriers in our homes and churches? What separates us from other believers? Is it race, financial status, education, or personalities? Are some believers acting as if they are better than others or that they have more knowledge than others? Are any fellow believers so fully in charge that they do not recognize other believers that can assist? God calls us to unity so we should tear down any obstacles and commune with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
