Think how the world counts status – imprisoned apostle vs free citizen at liberty; runaway slave vs aged apostle; slave vs master. What apostle Paul writes here turns estimation of many on its head, stands in stark contrast to how interpersonal relationships function both among professed Christians and others. Certainly not new, shows how often important principles get overlooked.
Paul begins here to address highly sensitive issue that directly affected Philemon, his household, and church meeting in home. Know from other letters Paul didn’t lack words to say precisely what was on his mind. More than one way to approach important topic, what would be best in this situation may be one of things kept Paul awake nights. First, he wanted to do only what would please Christ. Second, wanted outcome to please Christ in every respect, on part of everyone concerned. Then there is Holy Spirit’s desire what he wrote be profitable for all Christ-followers who would read letter.
Paul also keenly aware his method being observed by ones who might be faced with similar situation, would be helped by having example to follow. Then the bit about interactions with family / community members seeing situation play out. If they were to give good answers to questions, needed to understand from God’s perspective and embrace solution wholeheartedly. Paul didn’t need to rely solely on own wisdom to sort all this out, had assistance of Holy Spirit to direct thoughts and words to good conclusion.
A. true humility v.8
genuine status
Paul’s place in early NT church not really in question – had been challenged about it… by those who wanted to discredit him
was recognized by many in Europe and Asia Minor as an apostle – didn’t just listen to him, asked for his help solving issues
is apparent his letters we have treated from beginning as carrying great weight, recognized as rightly belonging in Bible
right to command
since Paul commissioned to ministry by Christ himself, called by Christ “a chosen vessel of mine” (Acts 9:15) had authority
really speaking as ambassador of Christ, like other apostles, speaking in Christ’s name like Old Testament prophets did
w/i scope of his commission to simply tell Philemon what to do, how he and others in similar situation should act
set it aside
chose to set all that aside and rest his persuasion on friendship and fellowship – all they shared b/c of relationship with Christ
Paul not first to make that kind of choice, opting not to exercise authority at crucial time – Jesus when before Pilate, e.g.
his approach meant was far more likely restored relationships not “poisoned” by resentment, result of forced outcome
B. unfeigned love v.9
for the sake of love
kind of love Paul cites here without conditions – strives for what is best for the other person, sacrificing self if necessary
he doesn’t specify whose love he means – love for Christ, for each other, for Onesimus, or all of the above… probably
each would add weight to Paul’s argument, all together should make good lasting outcome highly likely
from an old man
“If Paul did refer to himself here as an old man (which, around the age of sixty, he was indeed entitled to do),” F F Bruce, age 74 at time of writing
same word translated “elder”, often referring to position of responsibility in local church… yet Paul already set that aside
if anything, Paul expecting a hearing out of respect for advanced years, plus wisdom/maturity that goes with age
uncertain future
sure, Paul asks Philemon to get guest room ready for his visit but… Paul not naive – knows his imprisonment has no guarantees
has strong desire to go to Colosse but at same time knows God may have other plans… will be ok with that
also knows at his age, not a kid, ability to continue in ministry not inexhaustible – his time will come to an end
C. side-by-side appeal v.9-10a
come alongside
intended to draw parties close together, not keep at arm’s length – come close so we can work this out together
desire to treat one another as close friends working together toward shared outcome… same as believer and Holy Spirit
for the sake of Christ
Christ is thread from beginning to end of letter – just as Christ is present throughout, he must be present in final outcome
Paul not interested in Philemon or anyone else doing what he requests simply to appease him, satisfy his desire
entire purpose here to bring glory to Christ in way obvious to everyone… including community at large
and for Onesimus
Paul discreet about giving personal details about Onesimus – he was slave, probably runaway, now presented as Paul’s son
probably had seen church started and grow, heard regular teaching from God’s word, seen how people brought into group
Paul believed it essential Philemon and rest behave properly toward Onesimus to avoid causing hurt or discouragement
D. what changed v.10b-11
my son
don’t know how Paul and Onesimus introduced, one of those series of events God brought about for his purpose
referred to Timothy as his son in the faith – Onesimus not believer when first introduced, occurred later
Paul instrumental in leading Onesimus like Timothy to saving faith in Christ – others involved along the way, Paul at conclusion
was unprofitable
Paul used Onesimus’ name to set up description of what happened – Onesimus name means profitable or useful
while serving Philemon, were limits to his usefulness both in his household and also toward church family
was especially unprofitable after he ran away – would have been compounded if he had taken anything of value from Philemon
now has purpose
whole new way of understanding opened up to Onesimus – can recognize / use spiritual truth in way impossible before
seems from next section of letter he was quick study, growing rapidly as things once hidden now made sense, useful to him
enabled him to be great help to apostle in his ministry, probably something Philemon never thought of as possible
Really begins in earnest at the cross, but doesn’t end there. We give glory to God when someone comes to faith in Christ, continue to give glory to him as we grow in grace, in likeness to Christ. Much cause to give glory that apostle had blessing of supplying last necessary piece in Onesimus’ salvation. We can do same when God provides same opportunity. Can also give him the glory as we observe all the ways new child of God grows in their usefulness to him. Sometimes it begins with simple request “come with me”. God uses that and multiplies the blessings from there.
Reformanda 