Last Thursday night, we covered an entire book of the New Testament in one sermon... what a feat! Well, to be honest, it was the book of 'Philemon' and there are only 25 verses in the entire Epistle. Philemon is an unusual book in Scripture in that it is a correspondence to an individual rather than to a church or several churches (some of Paul's letters are believed to have been intended to be read at multiple locations with names of particular churches insert later on).
Here in Philemon, Paul has inserted himself in the middle of a falling out shall we say between Philemon (the master) and Onesimus (the slave). Onesimus has run away and it appears taken something or somethings of value along with him (besides his own self as a slave). Paul stands between them negotiating if we will the reconciliation of Onesimus with Philemon. Here we must pause... and consider how Paul's role in this attempted repair of a broken relationship resembles Christ and His role in reconciling us with our God.
Paul has modeled Christ in this story and the message which we can (and should) bring forward into our own lives is how can we too model Christ (and Paul by extension) in working with others in this messy, messy thing called life. Please take a few minutes and listen to the sermon... Thank you.
Be a blessing to someone today!!
In His Grace,
Roy
Philemon New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Salutation
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,[a]
To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, 2 to Apphia our sister,[b] to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 When I remember you[c] in my prayers, I always thank my God 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we[d] may do for Christ. 7 I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
8 For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, 9 yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.[e] 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful[f] both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22 One thing more—prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.
Final Greetings and Benediction
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,[g] 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[h]
Footnotes:
a) Philemon 1:1 Gk the brother
b) Philemon 1:2 Gk the sister
c) Philemon 1:4 From verse 4 through verse 21, you is singular
d) Philemon 1:6 Other ancient authorities read you (plural)
e) Philemon 1:9 Or as an ambassador of Christ Jesus, and now also his prisoner
f) Philemon 1:11 The name Onesimus means useful or (compare verse 20) beneficial
g) Philemon 1:23 Here you is singular
h) Philemon 1:25 Other ancient authorities add Amen
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