Restoring A Servant--Part 2

Introduction

Last week we began looking at the little book of Philemon.

While Paul was in Rome he had an encounter with a man—a slave—named Onesimus. As we continue reading (as we’ll see in a few moments) Onesimus was a run away slave. As such we need to understand what that really means.

Philemon 8–11 NIV84

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 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’s Appeal

First he says he could have been bold and ordered Philemon to accept Onesimus back.

Instead, Paul is appealing to Philemon on the basis of love, on the fact that he’s an old man (probably around 55—old because people did not live as long as now), and on the basis of the fact that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Yet his real appeal comes because Onesimus (who’s name means “useful”) has become a brother in Jesus Christ.

Paul says Onesimus used to be useless to Philemon, but now he has become useful to both of them.

Philemon 12–16 NIV84

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 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 man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 12-16

Sending Him Home

Paul tells Philemon that although he really desired to keep Onesimus, so that Onesimus could help him—like having Philemon with him.

Here’s what we need to understand about slaves in Paul’s day. According to Warren Wiersbe, “If a slave ran away, the master would register the name and description with officials, and the slave would be on the ‘wanted’ list. Any free citizen who found a runaway slave could assume custody and even intercede with the owner. The slave was not automatically returned to the owner, nor was he automatically sentenced to death.”

Paul has decided that he should send him back to Philemon, and hopes that he will accept him back as a brother in Christ not just as he would a runaway slave.

“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.”

Paul knew how much Onesimus meant to Philemon, but now he is valuable not only to Philemon, but also to Paul. Yet Onesimus should be dear to both of them as a man and as a brother in Christ.

Philemon 17–21 NIV84

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 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. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Philemon 17-

Welcome Him Home

Paul wants Philemon to welcome Onesimus like he would welcome Paul.

Paul says he will pay back whatever debt Onesimus might owe Philemon.

Paul (who usually dictated his letters) writes this part with his own hand—to make it more believable.

Paul says he knew that Philemon would do more than Paul ever expected.

Finally, Paul asks Philemon to prepare a room for him, so that in answer to all of their prayers, Paul might see them again.

Final Greetings

Epaphras, John Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Dr. Luke all sent their greetings.

And Paul closes again with passing on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Paul is not writing a treatise on slavery. It was part of the world that Paul lived in.

Paul is writing a letter to a friend. This friend was a predominant member of the church at Colosse.

He is writing him about a slave that ran away from Philemon, and in the process, found Jesus Christ as his Savior.