Despite being Paul’s shortest letter, the one to Philemon is jam-packed with information. Philemon was a prosperous Colossaean guy. In keeping with the norm of the day, he also had slaves. The sermons of Paul had won over Philemon to the faith. Onesimus, one of his slaves, escaped and made his way to Rome. In the Roman Empire, such an act carried the death penalty. However, Onesimus became a Christian when he met Paul in Rome as a consequence of God’s providence. Although Onesimus did a great job serving Paul in Rome, Paul was aware that Philemon still had a claim to his slave. Paul thereupon dispatched Onesimus, together with a letter, back to Colossae. We can still read this letter in the Bible.
Content
In Philemon 1:2–3, Paul welcomes Philemon and the church to his home and expresses gratitude to God for Philemon’s love and trust in Philemon 1:4–7. Paul then makes a case for Onesimus. “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother,” Paul begs Philemon to accept Onesimus back, not as a runaway slave who deserves punishment but rather as a brother in the Lord. (Philemon 1:1–16).
Thus, Onesimus’ conversion demonstrates the gospel’s ability to transform people’s lives. With an appeal for Philemon’s willingness and obedience, Paul ends his pleading with, “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.” (Philippians 1:11). The customary farewells and blessings conclude the epistle (Philemon 1:23-25).
Impact
Paul did not beg Philemon to release Onesimus in this letter. The society of that era would have been upended by the abrupt abolition of slavery. But it’s clear that slavery would eventually be outlawed due to the new Christian [brotherhood] relationship between slaves and masters. Because of your faith, you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus. Since you were all baptized into Christ, you have all put on Christ. You are all one in Christ Jesus, so there is no such thing as a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person. (Romans 3:26–28).
Lessons for us
- Forgive the one who has done harm to you
- Do not discriminate on the basis of social position
- In the Lord Jesus Christ, all believers are brothers and sisters.
