T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
The Book of Philemon is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of only 25 verses. It is a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, concerning Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus.
Summary:
Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Onesimus had apparently run away from Philemon, possibly even stealing from him (v. 18), and had encountered Paul in prison, where he was converted to Christianity. Paul had discipled Onesimus and found him to be very useful, even becoming "my son" (v. 10) to Paul.
Paul's letter is a masterful example of gentle persuasion and tact. He doesn't command Philemon, despite his apostolic authority, but rather appeals to him "on the basis of love" (v. 9). He reminds Philemon of the spiritual debt he owes Paul, who likely led Philemon to faith (v. 19). Paul even offers to repay any debt Onesimus might owe Philemon (v. 18-19).
The core message is about reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transformative power of the Gospel to break down social barriers, even between master and slave. Paul elevates Onesimus's status from a runaway slave to a "dear brother" (v. 16), urging Philemon to welcome him as he would welcome Paul himself.
Notable Quotes and Verses:
Philemon 1:4-5: "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus." (Paul expresses his commendation for Philemon's faith and love.)
Philemon 1:10-11: "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." (Paul introduces Onesimus and highlights his transformation.)
Philemon 1:15-16: "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—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." (This is the heart of Paul's appeal, emphasizing the new relationship in Christ.)
Philemon 1:18-19: "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." (Paul's offer to repay and his gentle reminder of Philemon's spiritual debt.)
Historical Facts about how the Book Came to Be:
Author and Date: The letter was unequivocally written by the Apostle Paul, as stated in verse 1. It is considered one of Paul's "Prison Epistles," along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. It was likely written around 60-62 AD during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome.
Recipient: The letter is addressed to Philemon, a prominent Christian in Colossae. The mention of "Apphia our sister" (possibly Philemon's wife) and "Archippus our fellow soldier" (possibly their son or a leader in the church) suggests it was meant to be read within their household and perhaps the church that met in their home (v. 2).
Context with Colossians: The letter to Philemon is closely linked to the Book of Colossians. Onesimus, the runaway slave, is explicitly mentioned in Colossians 4:9 as "our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you," indicating that he was returning to Colossae with Tychicus, who carried both letters. This connection provides crucial historical context.
Slavery in the Roman Empire: Slavery was a pervasive institution in the Roman Empire, differing in some aspects from later forms of chattel slavery. While slaves had no legal rights, there were mechanisms for manumission (setting slaves free), and some slaves held positions of significant responsibility. Paul's letter does not explicitly condemn slavery as an institution, but rather addresses the spiritual transformation that should transcend and ultimately challenge such social structures from within the Christian community. By advocating for Onesimus's reception as a "brother," Paul introduces a revolutionary principle that undermines the very basis of forced servitude.
Paul's Tact and Wisdom: The letter is often studied as a model of Christian ethics and interpersonal communication. Paul demonstrates incredible tact and wisdom in his appeal, respecting Philemon's autonomy while strongly advocating for forgiveness and love. He navigates a sensitive social issue with grace and spiritual depth.