Philemon
“The Art of Restoration”
Introduction: 1:1-7
1:1-3 Greetings
1:4-7 Thanksgiving
Statement of Purpose: 1:8-10
A Loving Appeal for Onesimus
Main Teaching: 1:11-22
1:11-16 The Profitability of Onesimus
1:17-22 The Debt of Philemon
Closing: 1:23-25
Philemon
“The Art of Restoration”
1:1-10
Introduction
Vs. 1-7 Refreshed by love
Vs. 8-10 Transformed by love
Introduction
This little letter is a marvelous example of Christian diplomacy, which someone once described as “The art of getting someone to do something willingly that they wouldn’t normally do by force”. It serves as a great blueprint for how to negotiate change in the most difficult thing in all of God’s creation, THE HUMAN HEART! The “test tube” of Paul’s transformational experiment is the most difficult of all human hearts to change, Christians and in the most difficult type of Christian to change, a pastor. This true life example of God’s ability to transform the most difficult person’s heart ought to serve as an example to those whose condition is far less severe than a pastor’s heart, that “Since God can effect change in the pastor, I know He can change my heart as well.” Paul is upfront in what the remedy to effect change is and isn’t:
- Vs. 8 It’s NOT by compulsion: There is no heavy-handedness or threat. Even more amazing to me is that based on Paul’s position he could have employed this tactic, and perhaps even gotten favorable results. The question that Paul doesn’t answer in verse 8 is, “Why not use what would get the proper results?” As you read the rest of this short letter the answer is quite obvious: “The result wasn’t in getting the person to do the right, thing. No, the result was getting them to do the right thing for the right reason!” You can command, legislate, dictate, and otherwise FORCE a person to do the right thing but it is temporary if it is not first accompanied by a change of HEART! And a change of heart cannot be commanded it must be WON!
- Vs. 9 It’s by love: Only love and grace applied by the Spirit of God can cause a heart to do what it normally does except on rare occasions it has no interest in, considering others more highly than itself. Paul spends no time at all on why “compulsion” doesn’t work and all of his time in this brief letter on why “love” is effective as he outlines two key parts to love work on the heart:
- 1:11-16 The value of others above self: The first act of love is to convince the heart of the profitability and value of others above self. Paul doesn’t deny that at one time Onesimus wasn’t valuable or profitable, he readily admits he is, and as such he is not a revisionist of history. There is a good deal of time spent on Onesimus’ failure but there is an equal amount of time spent on not only his change but the reason for that change, (Jesus) as well as case studies of examples and first-hand testimony of that change.
- 1:17-22 The debt paid on our behalf that causes us to be valuable: The 2nd act of love is to remind you of the fact that at one time you were equally unprofitable and unlovable. The work of Christ’s love is the reason we are now of equal value to those that we owed a debt to because of our failure towards them, we are no longer 2nd class citizens. Christ forgave our debt, others also forgave our debt and we demonstrate this as a fact in our own lives by also forgiving the debt others owe us of their wrongdoing towards us.
To fully understand the process we need to understand the primary characters in the case before us:
Philemon: Paul describes him in verse as a beloved friend and fellow laborer, then in verse 2 tells us that a church met at his house. In verse 5 we are told that he was notorious for his love and faith which he exhibited towards Jesus and others a testimony which Paul readily admits had refreshed the saints, verse 7. In verse 17 Paul calls him a partner and in verse 19 there seems to be an indication that Paul was greatly involved in Philemon’s salvation and spiritual growth. Though I can’t say with 100% certainty I’m of the opinion that Philemon was serving in pastoral ministry in his hometown of Colossae and again had a great deal of success in being obedient to his calling. Yet with that said Paul’s letter indicates a need to motivate by love and grace a change of heart towards someone they both knew, Onesimus.
Onesimus: Much of the 1st words on Onesimus from Paul are on his conversion, verse 10. In verse 16 we learn that he was a slave of Philemon’s and according to verse 11 an “unprofitable one at that.” Verse 18 seems to indicate that in some way he “wronged” Philemon and perhaps stole from him as Paul mentions that “if he owes anything” Paul would repay. Lost in this story are three critical points that would more than complicate the situation:
- The location of Paul when he received Onesimus who ran away from Philemon: The answer is Rome the capital of the Roman Empire, under house arrest.
- The penalty for runaway slaves from their masters: The answer is death! Roman law permitted a master to execute a rebellious slave, but Philemon was a Christian. If he forgave Onesimus what would the other slaves think, if he punished him what would it say to those about his relationship with Christ and his witness?
- The person who carried the letter back to Philemon, with Paul’s request: Based upon verse 12 my belief is Onesimus himself. Thus Onesimus carried his fate by faith, in how the Lord would work in his master Philemon’s heart by the words of the letter he now carried.
Paul: We ought to be quite familiar with Paul by now but his influence upon both Philemon and Onesimus underscores the remedy to change a heart and as we shall soon discover it was a discovery that he had undergone more than once in his life. Paul truly exhibited the confidence he had in the Holy Spirit’s work in Philemon that he wrote of in verse 21 by sending this letter in the pocket of Onesimus.
- Would Onesimus be obedient and go back to Philemon knowing that his master had the right to execute him for his rebellion?
- Would Philemon receive back his rebellious and disobedient slave on the testimony of his transformation?
That’s the letter in a nutshell!
Vs. 1-7 Refreshed by love
Vs. 1-2 The letter was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome described in Acts chapter 28:30-31 and is the only place in the New Testament where Philemon’s name is mentioned. When we compare Paul’s 13 other letters we discover a tone in this letter that doesn’t appear but four times. In 9 of those letters, Paul calls himself an apostle in the introduction but here he refers to himself as their friend, as he writes this letter as a friend. Also unusual is this letter is addressed to Philemon and his wife Apphia but it makes perfect sense as she would have been the supervisor of the household slaves. Some assume that Archippus was their son but there is no evidence of that and it is more than likely that Archippus was an elder who took the place of Epaphras who had gone to Rome to help Paul.
Paul reminded them that he was a prisoner not of Rome (though he was under house arrest), but rather Paul said that his present condition was at the request of Jesus Christ. What a difference in perspective when we see ourselves not as victims of cruel circumstances, but rather as House Guests of a Benevolent King! We all could use a seat looking out the window where Paul gained such a view of life! Paul informed Philemon that Timothy whom he knew, was present with him and Paul included the words jointly as “our brother” as well as “fellow worker”.
Vs. 4-7 Still part of the introduction of the letter the first part being the “greetings” and the 2nd part being “thanksgiving giving” Paul includes a section like this in all of his letters the only exception to this is Galatians. Four times in Paul’s letters he says he “makes mention” in his prayers for people which indicates that Paul didn’t always pray for long periods of time, sometimes he just offered up short little requests. The word for sharing in verse 6 is the word in the Greek koinonia which describes sharing of things in friendship with another.
Paul describes what he was thankful for with regards to Philemon; his love and faith that he had towards the Lord and demonstrated as such by the same being lavished upon the believers. His love was practical as it had according to verse 7 “refreshed the saints” with his words and works. Paul also said that he was consistently praying that Philemon would be effective in his witness so that others would see the value of a relationship with Jesus. Part of that prayer of effectiveness centered on Philemon comprehending all the benefits he personally had in Christ. The better we know Jesus and personally experience his blessings, the more we will want to share those blessings with others.
Vs. 8-10 Transformed by love
Vs. 8-10 At the time of this letter there were an estimated 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire the average sold for a day’s wage while some educated and skilled commanded a 100-day wage price. A master could free his slave and on rare occasions, a slave could buy their freedom if they could accumulate enough to purchase it. If a slave ran away, the master would register the name and give a description to the officials and they would be on a “wanted list”. A runaway slave was not automatically returned to the owner and not every owner was cruel and many treated their slaves as if they were valuable and useful to the owner. When Onesimus became a runaway slave he apparently ran to Rome and met up with Paul, where he was led to the Lord. Though not impossible that he just happened to wander to where Paul was under house arrest it is more than likely Onesimus’ destination when he left. Had he known that his master had been led to the Lord by Paul whom he sought?
The very first word, “therefore” of Paul’s intercession for Onesimus is based upon his assessment of Philemon’s reputation of being a man of faith and love demonstrated by him being a blessing to others. Philemon now had the opportunity to “refresh two more hearts”, his and Onesimuses. When Paul makes this appeal on behalf of Onesimus, he follows deep-running traditions in Roman culture. There was an ancient Greek law, inherited by the Romans, allowing any escaped slave sanctuary at an altar.
The altar could be the hearth of a private family home; then the head of the family was obligated to give the slave protection while he tried to persuade him to return to his master. If the slave refused, the head of the family would put the slave up for auction and give the price for the slave to the former master. Perhaps Paul has that in mind when he says in verse 11 that “Onesimus” is now in Christ profitable as in the Greek that is the meaning of his name. It is equally interesting to note that Philemon is being asked to be affectionate in his heart towards Onesimus and Philemon’s name in the Greek means affectionate.
Philemon
“The Art of Restoration (Part 2)”
Introduction
Vs. 11-16 Five reasons to restore
Vs. 17-22 Partners in progress
Vs. 23-25 Closing thoughts
This letter brings up some great truths from both Philemon’s and Onesimuses’ view: Philemon: Reveals to us that the most effective way to handle social evils is not through politics or legislation. In this letter, Paul indirectly asks, “How can my brother be my slave? “Paul brings the institution of slavery into an atmosphere where it could only wilt and die. Where master and slave were united in mutual affection as brothers in Christ, emancipation was expedited immediately, where the formal legal confirmation of this new relationship would take far more time.”
Onesimus: Found out personally that, “There was not always freedom in freedom, as you can never escape your own conscience and the master of your fallen nature.” Onesimus discovered that there is slavery in freedom and coming back to Philemon he would discover that there is freedom in slavery! The question in this life is not whether or not you are a slave or free but to whom and what you are a slave or free towards! I am yoked willingly to my Master Jesus and because of this relationship, I am a free man from sin both its penalty and power!
Vs. 11-16 Five reasons to restore
In verse 10 Paul makes his “appeal” for Onesimus in this little letter to Philemon but the word “therefore” in verse 8 tells us that he had already started his appeal.
- Vs. 8 The First Love reminds Philemon of his own progression and maturity when his heart had been transformed by the Holy Spirit. Though the play on words in verse 11 of Onesimus (profitable) who was once “unprofitable” but now has become truly “profitable” was aimed at Onesimus it was Philemon’s story as well. Truth is it is every believer’s story as we are all “Onesimuses”; we were all unprofitable Onesimuses. By words concerning Philemon’s reputation of love and faith that he had exhibited towards Jesus and through Him towards all believers to the point in which those who were parched had become refreshed is a testimony of just how profitable the Lord had made Philemon.
- Vs. 9 In the 2nd appeal Paul reminds Philemon that the action that he wants him to do in love will refresh him. Paul is now in his 60’s and he says he is “aged” as well as “a prisoner of Jesus Christ” How could he turn down such a request?
- Vs. 10 The third appeal is based upon the conversion of Onesimus whom Paul says was begotten while Paul was under house arrest. Paul no longer views Onesimus as a runaway slave but rather as his “son” in the faith which would make him Philemon’s spiritual brother in Christ. Onesimus’ spiritual transformation didn’t alter his legal situation as he was still a slave and it didn’t cancel his debt to Philemon. It meant that Onesimus had a standing before God and his people the church which Philemon needed to take in consideration.
- Vs. 11-14 The fourth appeal is that Onesimus has become an asset to Paul in ministry so much so that Paul was making a sacrifice in sending him back but needed to as he had no right to keep him without Philemon’s consent. The wordplay for both of these two is amazing as Onesimus was as his name suggests “profitable” and Paul is asking Philemon that he would be towards Onesimus what his name means “kindly affectionate” or Philemon. Now in Christ, both of these men needed to live up to the meaning of their names.
- Vs. 15-16 The final appeal relates to divine providence though Paul uses the word “perhaps” as he is not being dogmatic. He suggests that God was in control of this situation and permitted Onesimus to go to Rome so that he would meet with Paul and become a believer. Onesimus’ departure wasn’t permanent but temporary so that he would come back forever implying that he would join them in eternity, not as just a slave but a brother. Onesimus left Philemon as a slave but returned to Colossae as a brother.
These five appeals of the transformation of Onesimus tenderly nudge Philemon to do the right thing for the right reason.
Vs. 17-22 Partners in progress
Vs. 17-22 Paul’s appeal is powerful because he stands beside a guilty man and says to Philemon “I know this Onesimus is a criminal and deserves punishment but this slave is my son, so if you punish him punish me also. I’ll take his punishment.” The word for “partner” is the koinonia and Paul makes two suggestions to Philemon:
- Receive Onesimus as you would me: The word in Greek means to invite a person into your close family. Paul is asking Philemon to invite Onesimus his slave into his close family.
- If he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account: Paul is not asking Philemon to ignore Onesimuses crimes or forgive his debt instead Paul is offering to cover both, insisting that “I will repay”. The wording of verse 19 is a legal promissory note of the time.
Saints this is what Jesus asks us to do as well as we are to treat people as if they were Jesus since they are accepted in the beloved and clothed in His righteousness.
There is an interesting reality that these verses illustrate: Love is more than a sentiment or a feeling. True Love requires action! God does not save us by the sentiment or a feeling of love towards us. God in His holiness cannot ignore the debt we owe, so His love took action and paid what we owed by sending His only Son to die in our place. That is what “GRACE” is, “LOVE THAT PAYS THE PRICE”. In theological terms, this is called “imputation” as it means that the action of another has been placed upon our account. When I received Jesus two things happened: My sin was placed on Him and His righteousness was put on me. Now that I’m accepted in Christ I desire to be acceptable to Christ.
Vs. 20-21 The word “Joy” here in the Greek is the root word for the name “Onesimus.” Paul uses another play on words to communicate a not-so-subtle request: “Let me have Onesimus back from you in the Lord.” In verse 7 of this letter, Paul said that Philemon was a man who refreshed the heart of the saints now, he specifically tells Philemon how he can refresh his heart. It appears that Paul expected to be released from his first imprisonment in Rome and said as much that he planned a visit to Philemon which would also further motivate him to do the right thing for the right reason.
Vs. 23-25 Closing thoughts
Vs. 23-25
- Epaphras may have been a pastor of a church near Philemon as he knew him but at this time he was serving Paul under house arrest.
- Mark is a name that speaks directly to this situation as Paul had early in his ministry a sharp disagreement with Barnabas over his fitness for ministry that caused a separation of direction in the early missionary team. Yet here we see that Paul practiced what he preached about reconciliation.
- Aristarchus was from Thessalonica and accompanied Paul to Jerusalem and then to Rome.
- Demas is mentioned three times in Paul’s letters, twice where he is called his fellow worker and once where we are told in 2 Timothy 4:10 that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world more. Such is the case with human relationships: Some that fail us will be restored, and some that are great will end in failure.
- Luke, we know well as he traveled extensively with Paul both as his physician and biographer historian as he wrote the gospel that bears his name and the book of Acts. He was himself most likely a slave that had been either freed or given to Paul. Again serves as an example that like Paul we are not to live as victims of our circumstances but rather as house guests of the living God.
This benediction is Paul’s official signature for his letters as it magnifies the grace of God. It was Jesus after all who said to us, “Charge what they owe to my account! Receive them as you would Me!”
- The greatest social changes come when people are changed, one heart at a time.
- Being made a new creation in Christ does not end our responsibility; it increases our obligation, even when restitution is difficult.
- In 110 A.D., the bishop of Ephesus was named Onesimus, if in his late teens or early twenties when Paul wrote this letter, he would then be around 70 in 110 A.D. Historically the letters of Paul were first gathered as a group in the city of Ephesus and it seems as though Onesimus wanted to make sure this letter of freedom and restoration was included.