explore10_19_10603

Posted: 10/3/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Oct. 19

Christ is the great equalizer among individuals

Philemon

By John Duncan

Lakeside Baptist Church, Granbury

Philemon was a convert to Christ who served as a co-worker for the kingdom's sake with the Apostle Paul (v. 1). Philemon may have been a wealthy man who delivered his financial means to help the church and possibly even Paul's itinerant ministry. Obviously, a church met at Philemon's house (v. 2), noting that house churches were a common feature of first century New Testament Christianity.

C.S. Lewis once said, “The central Christian belief is that Christ's death has somehow put us right with God and given us a fresh start.” The book of Philemon is about one simple thing: Those given a fresh start in Christ refresh others and build up his church.

Refreshing work together

Paul understands the dynamic of a church at work by the Spirit of God. Such a dynamic inspires God's servants and leaders to work together. The source of this togetherness is none other than a sacrificial love and a determined faith (v. 5). Paul reflects on this love and faith in the context of prayer.

P.T. Forsyth says, “To pray for God's kingdom is also to engage ourselves to service and sacrifice for it.” Paul's aim in prayer was that the sacrifice of love and the service of faith would continue to build God's kingdom. Therefore, Paul remembered and prayed.

One specific request of Paul in prayer was that the fellowship of faith might become more active (v. 6). Fellowship here is koinonia, a common sharing of faith, values, purpose and life in a united goal of building the Lord's church. Paul prayed for an active faith, or one in which God supplied energy like the sun, water and earth working together to nurture seeds and produce fertile soil for a crop.

Paul understands the activity of God through faith as fruitful. What is the fruit? The full knowledge of God or a sensitivity to him and the goodness of God that supplies his good things according to his own time. Paul thinks of the fruit and responds with joy and comfort. Joy comes from heaven and Jesus. Comfort links the helpful work of God's Spirit as the essential ingredient for God's saints to work together. Keep in mind, Christ and the Holy Spirit are one.

Philemon's contribution

Paul's memory in appreciation turns to Philemon. His contribution was refreshment (v. 7). Because of God's work in Philemon, past, present and future, one characteristic of Philemon's faith was that he refreshed others. The word indicates giving relief, providing relaxation or supplying rest for another. The refreshment may well have been financial relief, encouragement or provision of a place for Paul to rest. Regardless, Paul speaks of the refreshment as a “compassion of holiness” (v. 7). God moves his servants to holy acts of compassion that minister refreshment to others.

Paul's heart under the inspiration of God turns to an encouragement for Philemon to refresh a slave who converted to Christ, Onesimos. The name means “useful.” It describes God's work in Onesimos' life (v. 10). Paul addresses his own salvation, call to service and love for Christ that seeks to encourage others (v. 9).

Paul speaks authoritatively, begging Philemon to defend Onesimos and to refresh him by ministering to him. Paul knows of Onesimos' salvation (v. 10). A.T. Robertson notes Paul's concern for the one whom he led to Christ as a “tender and affectionate reference to Onesimos as his spiritual child.” What kind of work did salvation produce in Onesimos' life?

Onesimos transformed

God changed Onesimos' life in such a way that God transformed him from a useless person to a useful person (v. 11); from one rejected to one welcome (v. 15); from one who served as a slave in the Roman world to one who became a voluntary servant of Christ (v. 16); from a person of “no good” to one of enormous good (v. 12). God takes the useless and makes them useful; the loveless and makes them lovely; the wayward and puts them on his narrow way.

It is possible the church hesitated to receive Onesimos because of his background or reputation. Paul asks Philemon to do the right thing (v. 8). The right thing means welcoming Onesimos just as Paul would be welcomed (vv. 15, 17). Welcome him as a friend with open arms.

Paul's idea of friendship here indicates a compulsion of receiving Onesimos with an obligation to care for him. God's presence linked them together through the cross as partners or sharers in the service of faith (v. 17). As partners they impartially receive the faces of others and serve together.

Paul goes beyond the call of duty. If Onesimos has done harm, Paul begs Philemon to charge it to his account or to forgive (v. 18). Paul demonstrates truth and mercy, two common qualities of a Christian. He wishes for Philemon to do the same. Paul pleads for refreshment; for personal benefit to him in regard to Onesimos (v. 20). Paul longs to join the society of his Christian friends (vv. 21-25). Genuine refreshment in Christ refreshes others, welcomes the wayward and displays daily compassion that draws people into Christian fellowship.

Question for discussion

What similarities can be found between Onesimos and Philemon?