GEMS FROM THE ENDINGS OF THE EPISTLES

Part XIV: Gems From The Ending Of Philemon, A. D. 60-62

(Philemon 1-25)

I. Introduction

A. The epistle of Philemon was written by the Apostle Paul from Rome around A. D. 60-62 during his first Roman imprisonment (Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, p. 434, 769).

B. Paul wrote the letter to get Philemon to accept his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother whom Paul had led to Christ. In doing so, he illustrated Christ’s substitutionary atonement and His intercessory work on our behalf.

C. We thus view this epistle for our insight, application and edification (as follows):

II. Gems From The Ending Of Philemon, A. D. 60-62; Philemon 1-25.

A. Before asking Philemon to accept Onesimus, Paul tried to get Philemon to be gracious toward him, Phm. 1-7:

1. When Paul gave his introduction to this letter, an introduction that addressed the church in Philemon’s house, he praised Philemon for his love for all believers and his faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, v. 1-5.

2. The apostle prayed that Philemon “would gain a fuller understanding of his blessings in Christ” so as to “become more active in sharing Him” with others, Philemon 6.

3. Paul testified that he and his coworkers had great joy and comfort in Philemon’s love since he had refreshed the hearts of other believers, Philemon 7. The Greek word for “refreshed” is anapepautai, and it was used by Christ in Matthew 11:28 when He promised to give people rest (literally, “I will refresh you”) and “hearts” translates the Greek term splanchna, “inner parts of the body” (“bowels” in the KJV, Philemon 7, 12, 20) from which the Greeks believed the emotions emanated. (Ibid., p. 772)

B. Paul’s plea for Onesimus illustrates Christ’s intercessory work in our behalf before God the Father, v. 8-17:

1. Though Paul could have used his apostolic authority to order Philemon to receive Onesimus back, he instead chose to use “the persuasions of love, age, and his imprisoned state and simply appeal to Philemon” (Philemon 8-9; Ryrie Study Bible, KJV, ftn. to Philemon 8-10).

2. Paul revealed that he had led Onesimus to Christ while in prison, Phm. 10. Onesimus was thus a special convert who had likely contacted Paul to get relief from his guilt over having run away from his master!

3. Onesimus had proved to be unprofitable to Philemon in running away from his master who had paid money to acquire him as a slave. However, as a believer, he had become profitable both in meeting Paul’s needs in prison and in desiring to return to his master as a law-abiding believer and servant, Philemon 11.

4. Paul asked that Philemon receive Onesimus as Paul’s very “heart,” the word splanchna is used here again to indicate how Paul was emotionally tied to Onesimus, making his appeal quite forceful, Philemon 12.

5. The apostle noted that he would have wished to have kept Onesimus with him for the service he was to Paul in his imprisonment, but he did not want to do so without Philemon’s legal permission, Phm. 13-14.

6. Paul added that perhaps the Lord had allowed Onesimus to run away from Philemon for a period of time that he might be brought to faith in Christ only to return to his master no longer as a mere slave, but now as a beloved brother both to Paul and especially to his master Philemon, Philemon 15-16.

7. Accordingly, Paul tied his relationship with Philemon to his relationship with Onesimus, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a dear brother in Christ as if he were receiving Paul himself, Philemon 17.

C. The Apostle Paul also illustrated the substitutionary atonement of Christ’s work on the cross, Philemon 18-22:

1. Paul wrote that if Onesimus as an unbeliever had taken goods from Philemon or if he had in some way wronged him, Paul asked that Philemon put it to his own account, that he would repay it, Philemon 18-19a. This was a very sacrificial claim, for Paul was then in prison, unable to work to earn an income, so he was going to give all he could to pay for Onesimus’ sins, a picture of Christ’s substitutionary atonement for us!

2. Paul wrote how Philemon owed Paul his own life as Paul had led him to Christ, so he urged him to refresh his heart, using the same words for “refresh” and “heart” as in v. 7; v. 19b-20; Ibid. B. K. C., N. T., p. 774.

3. The apostle added that he was confident that Philemon would do even more than he had asked (v. 21), and Paul added that he would visit him when released, hinting that he would check up on the matter (Phm. 22).

D. Paul then gave his closing salutation, urging the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with their spirit, 23-25.

Lesson: In appealing to Philemon to accept his runaway slave, Paul exemplified Christ’s gracious substitutionary atonement on our behalf to save us and His gracious intercessory work for us after we become believers.

Application: May we like Paul reflect God’s gracious treatment of us in our relationships to other believers.