Exploring the Scripture

Paul wrote from prison, seeking a personal favor from Philemon, a respected church leader. Christians met in Philemon’s home, so he was among the wealthy. Philemon is the only personal letter included in the New Testament canon. Paul addresses him as a “dear friend and co-worker” (v. 1) who had brought joy to Paul and other saints (v. 7). Philemon’s generous hospitality and “refreshment” of the saints also may suggest that he gave financially to help church growth.

Paul probably was under house arrest, able to receive visitors, food, and resources, including writing supplies. While imprisoned, Paul met and converted Onesimus, an enslaved person who had escaped Philemon. If caught, runaway slaves could receive extreme punishment or even death.

Onesimus, meaning “useful,” served Paul for a time. Paul writes, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me” (v. 11). Paul sends him back to Philemon, asking him to deal mercifully with Onesimus.

Paul could have used his status as the founder of churches in Asia Minor and as an apostle to “command you [Philemon] to do your duty” (v. 8). Instead, he applies subtle pressure. He mentions a debt Philemon owes Paul—perhaps because Paul converted Philemon. He involves other leaders in sending and receiving the letter, thus making his request public. Most important, Paul based his appeal on Christian principles and high expectations. Onesimus is a Christian, equal in God’s eyes to Paul and Philemon, and part of their Christian family. Paul calls the slave “my child Onesimus, whose father I have become” (v. 10).

Paul pressures Philemon to receive Onesimus as he might receive Paul himself, not as a slave but as a brother. Paul already has enjoyed Philemon’s hospitality and hopes to do so again. It is that same hospitality he invokes for Onesimus, an action that would result in a loss of respectability and status for Philemon.

Paul admits he wants to keep Onesimus with him but decides to encourage Philemon to free him and perhaps send him back to help Paul. He offers to repay Philemon for any debt Onesimus has incurred or financial loss resulting from his escape. He trusts Philemon to “do even more than I say” (v. 21). Did Philemon free Onesimus? Return him to Paul? We don’t know the end of the story.

However, a bishop named Onesimus was prominent in the church in later decades. Perhaps that is why this small, personal letter was carefully kept and shared with Paul’s public correspondence. Some scholars speculate that a grateful Onesimus collected all of Paul’s letters and preserved them with the private letter to Philemon.

In present-day churches, conflicts and differences arise. Paul models for us an approach toward reconciliation. Consider one another as siblings in Christ, beloved of God, and worthy of grace. Encourage the one with the most power to be the most generous in forgiving. Make voluntary and compassionate compensation for any debts or losses incurred when possible. Keep Christ central in the heart to strengthen acceptance, forgiveness, and gracious forgetfulness of the offense. Rather than dividing a congregation, these Christ-centered actions could help resolve differences and transform lives from bondage to freedom.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Paul asked Philemon to accept his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ.
2. Paul avoided dictating. He allowed personal choice, upholding the worth and dignity of Philemon and Onesimus.
3. He encouraged Philemon, who wielded the most power in this conflict, to forgive and be generous.
4. Paul offered to repay any losses that were involved in his proposed solution.

Questions to Consider

1. How was Paul’s approach counter-cultural to his day and time?
2. What action would be needed today to bring reconciliation and healing in a similar circumstance?
3. Consider other stories of grace and forgiveness, such as the Prodigal Son. What likenesses can you identify?
4. When have you or a close friend been involved in a conflict resolved through Christian principles, forgiveness, and compensation?