Philemon, from what can be gathered, was possibly a convert of Paul as well as a fellowlaborer in the gospel. He was likely a resident of the city of Colossae and one upon whom Paul looked with great fondness as a friend and brother in Christ. In fact, of Philemon, Paul wrote by salutation to him:
“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus, for we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother” (Philemon 4-7).
Thus, it is from the outset, obvious, that this is not going to be like any of the other epistles of Paul’s; but rather this is going to be a very personal correspondence through which he would reach out unto a brother on behalf of a brother. And while there is a very deep sense of camaraderie between Paul and Philemon regarding their Christianity and acquaintance, Paul is not just writing in order to reminisce because Philemon also was a slave owner and it is concerning one of his slaves that Paul writes to him.
In verse ten we are introduced to a man named Onesimus who had been a slave of Philemon’s, but ran away possibly after stealing something from his master (vs. 18). In the midst of his travels Onesimus made his way to Rome where Paul was currently under house arrest (as per Acts 28). Somehow the two came in contact and as was Paul’s habit, he took this opportunity to teach Onesimus the truth and convert him while in imprisoned (vs. 10), thereby delivering him from the darkness of sin and into God’s marvelous light. With Onesimus’ conversion came a strong endearment to Paul with whom he continued after being released from prison. Paul knew, though, that it was not ethically or legally right for him to keep Onesimus as he rightfully belonged to Philemon. Therefore Paul writes this epistle to speak on behalf of Onesimus that Philemon would not punish him upon his return, but rather “receive him forever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved…” (vs. 15-16). In fact, Paul did not limit his commendation of Onesimus to Philemon only, but when he wrote to the collective church in Colossae he vouched for Onesimus as a “faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you” (Colossians 4:9). Therefore, from the depths of sin and depravity did the gospel message transform the life of a poor slave lost in sin into a child of God and a brother in Christ.
Finally, in verses twenty and following, Paul enumerates his great confidence that his plea to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus would be received and accepted. In fact, Paul’s expectations in Philemon exceeded merely what he had requested as he stated: “Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say” (vs. 21). What trust! And if only that level of trust could and would be placed in all Christians today the church and ultimately the world would be a much better place.
The book of Philemon presents a host of marvelous lessons worthy of consideration, but one proposed by Roy Deaver perhaps one of the greatest. He said:
“Paul said to Philemon, about Onesimus: ‘But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account; I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides’ (Phile. 18-19). In a sense, Onesimus symbolizes all men. All men—because of their sins—have wronged the one to whom they belong. All men owe a debt to God which they cannot pay. Like Paul, our Lord said: ‘Put that debt on my account! I will take care of it.’ The Lord will take the debt of each and every one who will believe upon Him and obey His will. He will bring about complete reconciliation.”
What a marvelous and beautiful little letter filled with sentiment and Christian charity! The subject and themes provide an amazing pattern for how all Christians should regard each other for all time. Among the many ways Paul did and could describe his relationship with Philemon and with Onesimus, the greatest and the one he chose was their brotherly relationship in Christ. Is this a relationship we hold in high regard as children of God?