Philemon - The Value of Relational Capital!
Philemon Introduction - Insight for Living
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace and peace to you[a] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This short letter from Paul differs from his more doctrinal letters like Romans and Galatians. Paul says he is a "prisoner of Christ Jesus", which will have meaning because in this letter Paul is asking Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus. The term "prisoner" is a word similar in nature to "slave" in the bible. But in this letter, as in previous ones, Paul is a prisoner in Rome.
Paul converted Philemon when he was in Ephesus, but Philemon's home was the city of Colossae. Philemon was wealthy enough to own a slave, but also his home served as a house church. It wasn't until centuries later that churches met in buildings like we see most churches meet in today. Though in third world countries house churches are still very common.
This means that the church – or a portion of the church – in Colosse met in the house of Philemon. The earliest Christians had no property of their own for church buildings. The Jews had their synagogues, but Christians met in the homes of their members. The Christians of a city would be gathered into different “house churches” with a city “bishop” overseeing the different house churches. House churches are also mentioned in Romans 16:5 and Colossians 4:15. (Guzik)
“Up to the third century we have no certain evidence of the existence of church buildings for the purpose of worship; all references point to private houses for this. In Rome several of the oldest churches appear to have been built on the sites of houses used for Christian worship.” (Oesterley)
Thanksgiving and Prayer
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Paul commends Philemon for his leadership in the church, and the love he has for those he oversees. Paul considers him a partner in ministry. Partners in ministry is a term Paul uses often, and one the church should use as well today. Rather than seeing other churches as competition, we should see every Christian church as a partner in the gospel.
When God looks down at our world, I can assure you he does not see by our denominational labels. This is why the best word for the church is the "body of Christ". We are all members of the body of Christ, and each member should support the others in prayer, encouragement, and resources. Those churches with much should share with those who have little. Those who are strong should come alongside and support those who are weak.
So it is clear that Paul thinks highly of Philemon, which sets the table for what he is going to ask of him.
Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
Another person Paul played a role in converting was Onesimus, Philemon's slave who ran away. Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of love and grace. The same grace that freed Philemon from slavery to sin, could and should be afforded to Onesimus. Paul adds that Onesimus has also become a valuable partner in the spread of the gospel to him.
It seems that when Onesimus escaped, he fled to Rome and – intentionally or not – met with Paul. Paul, though under house arrest by the Romans, led Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ (whom I have begotten while in my chains). It was logical that Onesimus escaped to Rome, the biggest city of the Roman Empire. Lightfoot says, “Rome was the natural cesspool for these offscourings of humanity.” But at his providential meeting of Paul in Rome, Onesimus met the man who had led his master Philemon to Jesus (Philemon 19). (Guzik)
In some way, Onesimus became profitable to Paul. Perhaps he served as an assistant to Paul during his house arrest.
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon because he knew it was the right thing to do, even though he was useful to Paul. Paul sends him back to Philemon, not as a slave only, but also a brother in Christ. Paul's hope is that their reunion would be marked by a restored relationship, one that will last a long time.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Paul has a lot of "relational capital" with Philemon, since he played a pivotal role in his conversion to Christ. Philemon's friendly reception of Onesimus would be an extension of his relationship with Paul. Paul is clearly putting his neck out for Onesimus and even goes as far as to offer to pay any outstanding debt he owes to Philemon. Paul says he will pay back Philemon but subtly reminds Philemon that he "owes Paul everything including his very self".
"While “accounts” were being studied, Paul mentioned one more thing. “Philemon, remember that I have a lot of credit on your account, because you owe me even your own self besides.” Paul could afford to pay Onesimus’ expenses because there was a sense in which Philemon owed Paul his salvation!" (Guzik)
22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Paul hopes to see Philemon soon, which will even give more weight to his words in this letter. For all of these reasons, Paul asks him to get a "guest room" ready for him.
"This showed the close relationship between Paul and Philemon. Paul knew that hospitality always waited for him at Philemon’s home." (Guzik)
Who played a key role in leading you to Christ? How often to you keep in touch, or thank them for it?
Do you help bridge the gap between brothers and sisters who are at odds with each other? The relational capital you have with one or the other could go a long way in the reconciliation process?
See we have all been forgiven so great of debt, we should be indebted to each other and not hold on to grudges.
It is for freedom that Jesus has sent you free, don't go back the slavery of bitterness and resentment toward another brother or sister!
Comments
Post a Comment