" I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment." (Philemon 1:10)
This short but profound letter teaches a wonderful lesson about the forgiveness among Christian brothers. Paul wrote a close friend, Philemon, with whom he worked in Colosse, to persuade him to forgive and accept his runaway slave, Onesimus. It is not clear why Onesimus ran away, though some have inferred that he stole from his master; but regardless of his actions, Paul convinced him to repent, place his faith in Christ, and return to his master. Onesimus anxiously carries the apostle's letter back to Colosse and Philemon.
Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back not only as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. This is a beautiful plea for forgiveness between Christians because Paul does not command obedience from a position of apostolic authority but out of love for both the slave and the master. He tells Philemon, "Though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you" (vv. 8,9). He writes of Onesimus as his "own heart" (v. 12), wishing that he could keep him in Rome as a friend and aide. As much as he loves Oneimus, however, he loves Philemon as much and does not want to take any action that might offend him. Instead, Paul shows one of the greatest acts of love and asks that any debt incurred or sin committed by Onesimus against Philemon be transferred to Paul's account. This is the very core of what it means to live a Christ-like love, for on the cross Christ took all of our debts and sins against God upon Himself. So it is fitting that the apostle closes his letter with the words, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit> Amen" (v. 25).
Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back not only as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. This is a beautiful plea for forgiveness between Christians because Paul does not command obedience from a position of apostolic authority but out of love for both the slave and the master. He tells Philemon, "Though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you" (vv. 8,9). He writes of Onesimus as his "own heart" (v. 12), wishing that he could keep him in Rome as a friend and aide. As much as he loves Oneimus, however, he loves Philemon as much and does not want to take any action that might offend him. Instead, Paul shows one of the greatest acts of love and asks that any debt incurred or sin committed by Onesimus against Philemon be transferred to Paul's account. This is the very core of what it means to live a Christ-like love, for on the cross Christ took all of our debts and sins against God upon Himself. So it is fitting that the apostle closes his letter with the words, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit> Amen" (v. 25).
Would you like to advertise your business or ministry on LHF? Please contact us and ask about our advertising options