Episode #204. Today we’ll read Philemon together. Paul compliments Philemon’s love and faith and then makes an appeal for Onesimus.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #204. Today we’ll read Philemon together: Paul compliments Philemon’s love and faith and then makes an appeal for Onesimus.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
What an interesting little letter Philemon is. I hope you like it as much as I do. Yes, it only has only chapter, but I assure you, it’s jam-packed. Paul probably wrote this letter from that Roman prison at the same time he wrote the letter to the Colossians. He sent the letters off with Tychicus and Onesimus, which is important to note. You see, like many in Bible times, Philemon was a slaveowner. And Onesimus had been his slave. Apparently, Onesimus stole from Philemon and then ran away. Under Roman law, the penalty was death.
Sometime while Onesimus was on the lam, he met Paul and became a Christian. With encouragement from Paul, Onesimus knew he had to go back to Philemon. It was the right thing to do, even if it meant his death. So he returned to Colossae with Tychicus and this appeal for forgiveness from Paul. Not only that, but that Philemon accept Onesimus as a Christian brother. This was a tall order even for the most devout follower of Christ.
Anything but Tactful
Paul’s approach in this letter has always been interesting to me. He borders on manipulative. This is one of those times it would be handy to know ancient Greek and, additionally, to have graduated from the Roman Dale Carnegie courses. Greek and Roman teachers would have taught Paul to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions. Notice that Paul did not even mention Onesimus’ name until that rapport had been built.
I read something that made me laugh a little. It mentioned that Paul wrote tactfully and in a light-hearted tone. Well, I’ll give you a little light-hearted, but I think this letter was anything but tactful. I think Paul had the authority and he used it. Read this little letter with me and tell me what you think at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Philemon Chapter 1
Greeting
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother:
To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
An Appeal for Onesimus
For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains. Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. I am sending him back to you — I am sending my very own heart.
I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave — as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
As You Would Me
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me. And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it — not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self. Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
Final Greetings
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Closing Thoughts
I think the very best part of this letter is to imagine the part we don’t read. This is Christianity in real life. It’s gritty. Philemon was faced with a very real challenge. You have to know that his humanness wanted to throw the book at Onesimus. Chain him up, brow beat him, turn him over to the authorities.
And then…there is Christ. We all have those moments. Those forks in our road that force us to say, I either believe this or I don’t. I either want to be Christ-like or I don’t. What did Philemon choose? How would you have reacted?
As for Paul, and as I read his letter again, I may have been a little harsh in the welcome. Yes, there are a couple of places that Paul was a little manipulative. But at the end of the day, I think this appeal was heartfelt. I think he really did believe that Onesimus had repented. I think he really did hope and pray that Philemon would choose forgiveness and grace. But that would not have been easy, especially if there was the least bit of pride involved. But I know that I know, this is where the rubber meets the road. This is living our faith. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Oh, Jesus, how we wrestle with You. This is how Jacob wrestled with God, isn’t it? The push and pull, the less-of-me and more-of-You. Grant us success in our struggling, Lord. Thank You for Your patience as we wrestle with You. Help us to always choose Your way. Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
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