Source: Brainerd Baptist Church
Last time, we discovered that Paul was instructing Philemon, master of slaves, convert to Christianity and someone who shares the Gospel in his house to be more effective. We were reminded that we need to let Christ have ALL our life and not just the little bits we want him having. Not leaving anything to chances, Paul goes on to explain how Philemon can be more effective in his spiritual life, according to the Gospel.
Verse 8-9
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you - I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus ...
Paul lets Philemon know that he has the authority, tenacity and boldness to command him to follow his instruction, but if he did, that would would defeat the purpose. Paul did not want Philemon to follow his instruction by compulsion, he wanted him to want to follow the instruction, because it is the loving thing to do 'yet for love's sake'. Again, Paul reminds Philemon that he is a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel, together with verse 1, 'Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus' surely suggests that Paul is appealing to Philemon's position as Master of slaves, someone who can govern the freedom of slaves (who live a life similar to prisoners - their freedom is not their own!). Not only that, this plea to which Paul is about to give comes with it a powerful standing. Paul is partaking in the suffering of Christ (as a prisoner for preaching the Gospel) right now and is an ambassador 'an old man' for the Gospel. These, together with Philemon's new status as 'prisoner of grace' builds a picture of similarity that would grasp Philemon's attention.
verse 10-12
... I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus whose father I became in my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
Here, we have Paul's plea on behalf of Onesimus, the runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Paul is doing the right thing by Roman law, returning what belongs to Philemon (i.e. a slave) and in doing so, appealing to him that he chooses to set him free. Paul informs Philemon that he has become Onesimus' spiritual father through sharing of the gospel and that he is so dear to him that Paul calls him, [his] 'very heart'. It is clear that Onesimus was originally 'useless' to Philemon. The reasons as to why are unknown, however I believe the point here is that Onesimus has undergone a life-changing event, has a new outlook in life, so powerful that his life is completely changed from what he was, to becoming 'useful to you and me'. Paul petitions Philemon on the basis that this life-changing event also happened in him, and, indeed, to Paul himself (i.e. on the road to Damascus - Acts 9). The fact that Onesimus has been helping Paul is evidence of this life-transformation.
Verse 13-14
I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
Paul emphasizes that he feels strongly about Onesimus and his life-changing event, but given that he belongs to Philemon, Paul wants to allow Philemon to make a free choice 'for love's sake' and not because he feels compelled to. He wants to encourage Philemon in his faith, despite the letter being about Onesimus. Even now, whilst Paul experiences 'imprisonment for the gospel' does he show 'fatherly' interest in Philemon's (a former convert of Paul's) faith and righteous path. He does not want him to feel forced to obey Paul, although Paul is 'bold enough in Christ to command' him.
Verse 15-16
For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Paul is perhaps pointing towards divine intervention on the part of Onesimus' situation 'For this perhaps is why he was parted from you', suggesting that God has used the bad experience (i.e. Onesimus running away) to bring about a good experience (i.e. the conversion of Onesimus). It is clear, however, that Onesimus' life has changed and that he is no longer to be considered a slave 'more than a bondservant' by Philemon. Notice, however, Paul is not suggesting that Philemon should release Onesimus from his position, and not just to treat him as a brother in Christ, but more than that 'a beloved brother ... in the flesh and in the Lord'. Paul allows Philemon to deal with his own household and 'property'. The life-changing event brought about by Christ will not affect your position in society, but your heart and out-look in life.
So, what would you do in the exact same position as Philemon? Would you ignore the strong hint from Paul? Would you carry on as you did before, treating your slave as a slave and nothing but a slave, despite them having become a Christian? OK, let me try and put this in a more modern way ...
Suppose you were an employer and you have lots of employees. You created your company from scratch and appointed every employee in every position. Then one day, one of your employees does something wrong and runs away. A short time later, you discover that he has been listening to the very guy you heard some time ago. A person who spoke about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who helped you meet Jesus for the first time and changed your life. The employee returns with a letter that explains your employee is different, better and just like you. The letter urges you to let the employee off the hook, but acknowledges that the decision is yours.
Now, what would you do?
Well, Paul approaches the subject from the inside out. He directs Philemon toward the heart and the love of Christ that is within him.
When Christ enters our heart, he finds a heart that is enslaved to all kinds of sin. He finds a life that is governed by worldly passions and a darkness that empowers it.
He finds a slave.
But, he refuses to leave us that way.
He gives us his heart, his life, his love. We become changed. Paul says that Onesimus has been changed, just as Philemon, himself has been. Therefore, he should treat his former slave as a Christian brother, but more than that, he should choose to treat Onesimus according to his new status in Christ.
When we come face to face with the Father, He chooses to see us as Christ. Christ chose the cross to set us free from the slavery of sin. We are made perfect through Christ. He is in us and we are in him and the Father chooses only to see his perfect child.
Accept Christ today and he'll set you free.
I've been changed I've been newborn
All my life has been rearranged.
What a diff'rence it made
When the Lord came
And stayed in my heart
Oh yes, I've been changed.
by Mosie Lister
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