A Message of Bondage

There are several ways to approach this letter. To be completely honest, one should approach this letter from several angles in order to encapsulate the fullness of its meaning.

We could examine the letter through the eyes of Philemon. He was a slave owner and Onesimus was a runaway slave. Anyone in authority knows that if you let those within your charge get away with one thing, they will push their limits and expect to get away with it again. With consequence, chaos always forms. How could Philemon let this deed go unpunished? If he did, would it allow for the opportunity of others to attempt the same? As a slave owner, what is the correct line moving forward? How should he, as a slave-owning Christian handle the situation at hand?

We could also examine the letter through the eyes of Onesimus. He knew well the other side of slavery. He knew the indignity of being always at another moan’s beck and call. He knew the fear of the lash, the terror of death by crucifixion. He knew that even a benevolent master such as Philemon could change into a tyrant, if the circumstances demanded it. He also knew that if he were put up for auction, his next master could be much worse than the one he served now. He made a horrible mistake, even though it brought it him to the foot of the cross. He still ran away from his master. He now heads home with letter in hand from Apostle Paul himself, but also knows full well the painful events that could soon follow.

We could also examine the letter through the eyes of Tychicus, who accompanied Onesimus to Colosse. Tychicus was neither personally or emotionally involved. He could be much more impartial and objective than Philemon, Onesimus, or Paul.

Though all of these perspectives must be considered to fully render the entirety of the letter and the feelings and emotions of all parties involved, Paul decides to write the letter from the standpoint of brotherly love in Christ, which would make it impossible for one man to abuse the rights of another man in Christ.

Paul was too wise to make a frontal attack on slavery, and had no intention of involving the Church with issues of the state. Politics was not the answer, and no social conscience existed in Paul’s day as far as slaves were concerned.

Paul looked at slavery for the standpoint of Calvary. The cross changed all human relationships. Man or master, it made no difference; all were one in Christ. In Him, there was neither Jew or Gentile, bond nor free, Greek nor barbarian; Calvary reduced all men to the same level - all must come to God by way of the cross. Christ lifted all men to the same heights, made them equally sons of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.

We see first in the letter, Paul’s Approach!

The Approach

There are many ways to approach something. Some of them are much more effective than the others, but the most effective way to approach any situation is to do so through the lens of our relationship to God.

Paul’s Greetings (v. 1-2)

Paul begins by calling himself a prisoner of Christ. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter that Philemon will read. Having this spiritual mindset established, it will give way for Philemon’s anger to dissipate and approach the situation at hand from a Christian standpoint.

Paul is not trying to trick Philemon into doing what he wants, but rather to remind him of his standing with Christ and the Church. It is of utmost importance that this be established up front.

Paul even goes on to include Philemon as a “fellow laborer” of Christ as well to remind him of his calling unto the family of God and the standards of righteousness they have been called to live.

Paul’s Grace (v. 3)

Paul follows up his greeting with a word of grace. It is to no surprise this word “Grace” made its way into the greeting of Paul. Paul began all of his letters this way, but it is also a subtle reminder of the grace that has been extended unto us from our Heavenly Father.

Paul’s Gratitude (v. 4-6)

Paul now moves on to a word of gratitude. He shares how thankful he is for Philemon and the work he is doing. He has heard of Philemon’s love and faith toward Jesus, as well as toward all saints.

He also prays for the work of Philemon and his efforts to share and spread the Gospel of Christ.

Paul’s Gladness (v. 7)

Paul also makes mention of how glad he is to hear of the work that Philemon is doing. “Brother Philemon,” Paul says, “You are making a difference in people’s lives. People see Christ in you!”

Paul then moves on from the Approach to the Appeal.

The Appeal

The Desire (v. 8-13)

As Paul moves on to the meat of the letter, he starts by giving a brief description of is own credentials.

“Because of the position God has called me to,” Paul says, “I could easily give you direction on how to proceed in this situation.” In other words, God has called me to be His spokesperson during this time. I have been called on to proclaim the Good News of Christ, plant churches, settle spiritual matters amongst blended congregations, and advance the Gospel of Christ through the teachings of righteousness and love. I could easily give you instruction on how to proceed here but.....

On the basis of God’s love, in which I write unto you now, I rather appeal to you on behalf of Onesimus. I am getting old and now am in chains for my service to God and the Church. Therefore, I write unto you and ask for you to make the decision on how to handle this.

I ran unto Onesimus while here in my chains, and he has given his life unto God. He is saved!!! He once was unprofitable to you, but now he is profitable to you and me. We both can gain from this spiritual transition in his life.

I am sending him back to you and ask that you would receive him as if you were receiving me. Furthermore, I would wish of you to allow him to stay with me, so that he might minister on my behalf while I am in chains. I could send him with letters as I have sent him to you now. I can teach him to share Christ with others, so that he might aid us all in the advancement of the Gospel.

The Duty (v. 14-17)

Regardless, I did not want to make any plans or do anything concerning him without your consent. He is your slave and he technically belongs to you. I did not want to try and force your hand in this, but rather wanted it be done voluntarily.

Though this situation is not ideal, it may have been for the best. Not only has he come home, but he has come home a changed man. It is his duty to do so for that is right.

As he comes a changed man, there should also be a changed relationship. Instead of receiving him as a slave, maybe you can receive him as a brother instead. He is a brother to me indeed, but so much more to you, for he will serve you in the flesh and in the Lord.

You should no longer have to worry about him being dishonest, but rather should be able to trust him with the most tedious task and worry not that it will be accomplished.

If you truly believe in our relationship, receive him as you would me!

The Debt (v. 18-19)

Paul then addresses the issue of money. Philemon had purchased Onesimus with a price and was due compensation. Maybe Philemon had to go out and purchase another man in Onesimus’ absence. Maybe his stunt caused quite the stir for Philemon. Whatever the case, put the charge on my account he says. I will take care of the balance.

Paul goes on to say that Philemon technically owes his own life to Paul anyway. How would you have liked to have been Philemon in this instance, reading this letter. I would like to think it almost impossible to win a debate with this man. Philemon must have felt the same way. In the flesh, he no doubt wanted to make an example out of Onesimus so that no other man tried to do the same thing, but in the Spirit, he knew Paul was right. This man becoming a Christian changed everything. It wiped his slate clean. If God had forgiven him, then so must we do the same.

After Approaching Philemon in love and presenting his Appeal, Paul now gives the closing of the letter, His Appendix.

The Appendix

A Personal Word (v. 20-22)

I know this is tough, but be please be happy for this occasion as another blessed soul has passed from death to life.

I trust that you will not only be obedient in this occasion, but that you will do even more than I say.

Prepare a room for me, for I have the fullest confidence that God will deliver me through your prayers to come see you.

A Public Word (v. 23-24)

All of those with me greet you.

A Parting Word (v. 25)

He ends the letter just as he started it, with grace!!!