Year 3, Day 53: Philemon

Backstory

The book of Philemon is a book about reconciliation.  Prior to the writing of this book, a Christian slave owner in Colossae named Philemon had a slave named Onesimus.  Onesimus had apparently stolen from Philemon and then run away.  While Paul was in prison, Paul meets Onesimus and Onesimus becomes a Christian.  In fact, their relationship in prison was so strong that Paul calls Onesimus his child {see verse 10}.  What an incredible statement of faith and the bonds that unite spiritual people!

As a part of his conversion, Onesimus knows he must go back to Philemon and repair that relationship.  Paul writes this letter to help Philemon believe that Onesimus’ professed change is real.  Many scholars think that Paul wrote this letter about the same time as Paul wrote the letter we know as Colossians.  If this is true, then it is likely that Onesimus himself is the messenger of both letters - yet another reason to view Paul as a very open and accepting church leader.  Paul allows a converted runaway slave to carry such an important duty in the church.

Opening

Paul is slightly manipulative here {As all good church leaders are, for the record}.  Paul addresses the letter from himself and Timothy.  It is to Philemon.  Now there are three people involved.  He also addresses it to Apphia and Archippus.  Now there are five people involved.  The circle of accountability is growing.  Philemon – as a Christian – now has peer pressure to make sure he does the right thing in the eyes of the Lord.

Oh yeah, just in case, Paul also addresses it to the church that is meeting in Philemon’s very own house.  Now, Philemon is being held accountable by all of those people who see him as a spiritual authority in their life.  Paul is no fool.  Onesimus has wronged Philemon and everyone knows it.  According to the ways of the world, Philemon will have every right to take out judgment upon Onesimus.  But as he is in the right from the world’s perspective, it means that Philemon may need some help in forgiving Onesimus and in doing the right thing in the eyes of the Lord from here on forward.  {Don’t miss all of the “you might choose to do the right thing” language in verses 12-16, either.}

Interesting fact about humanity, isn’t that?  When we are in the right in the eyes of the world it actually becomes harder for us to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  When the world is on our side, it becomes easier to push the higher calling of God to the back burner.  Who would’ve thought we could ever get that understanding from something as simple as the way Paul includes addressees to this letter?

Prisoner

One more thing before we leave this opening.  Notice how Paul talks about himself.  Paul talks about himself as a prisoner.  Paul normally opens his letters by calling himself an “apostle.”  Here, Paul breaks from his tradition.  Here, Paul reminds Philemon that he is in chains.

Paul continues to be a bit manipulative {and good for him!}.  Paul’s message to Philemon is subtle but true.  Often those who are doing the work of the Lord find themselves subject to and under judgment by those who order their life with the ways of the world.  Philemon has every right to put Onesimus in chains and exact revenge based on what Onesimus has done to him.  But if Philemon chooses that path, Paul has already told Philemon who is the more spiritual being.  When you side with the world, you typically aren’t siding with God.

Thanksgiving

After such an intense opening – and Philemon would have understood the opening – Paul now softens his tone.  He gives thanks for Philemon.  He reminds Philemon that they are brothers serving the same Lord and they are praying for each other.

Assumed Responsibility

As Paul writes this letter about forgiveness, Paul does something absolutely incredible.  Paul assumes Onesimus’ financial burden.  In fact, Paul reminds Philemon that Philemon has a debt to him.  As Paul has not enacted upon Philemon’s debt to him, so should Philemon consider Onesimus’ similar debt.  This is really a powerful statement on so many levels.

I find two parallels in the New Testament.  First – and most obvious – is a comparison to Jesus’ death on the cross.  Jesus assumed our debt and paid it in full.  Jesus has not asked us to repay that debt to Him.  He just did it.  Second, I am reminded of Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18:21-35.  There we have a story about a slave who is forgiven from a debt but that same save doesn’t forgive another slave who owes a debt to him.  The situation between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus is very much a real life application to Jesus’ parable in Matthew.

Further Accountability

Finally, Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room.  Guess who is coming to Colossae as soon as he gets out of prison?  In other words, guess who is coming to make sure that Philemon’s spiritual leadership is still in line with the Lord’s teaching?

We all need to be held accountable – perhaps leaders even more than non-leaders.  Those with the most pressure and the most responsibility need the most accountability to ensure that the right decisions are made and that there is proper follow-through.  Paul is simply ensuring that the body of Christ continues to act and grow as the body of Christ should.

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