4th September 2023
The power of reconciliation
This study is the nineteenth in a series of studies on the books of the NewTestament
(Philemon – read in 2 minutes)
… 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 – Philemon v.9 (NIV)
In this letter to his friend, Paul twice identifies himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. (vv.1,9). He does not identify himself, as he does in other letters, as an apostle. Doing this would have underlined his authority over Philemon, but avoiding it resonates with his later comment, ‘…Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love…’ (vv.8-9).
It is a focussed letter. Paul never deviates from his overriding purpose. Everything he says is germane to his intention – to achieve reconciliation between two people he loves but who may not have been at peace with each other. It would have the added bonus that Onesimus would be free to serve Paul in his need.
Onesimus probably was convicted of God’s purpose through Christ from living and working in a household that Paul describes – as ‘the church that meets in your home’ (v.2). Why he ran away is not shared with us.
Paul then sets up a situation where Philemon can hardly say ‘no’. Although the letter is largely personal, it is also addressed to others (v.2). So other members of the church would have been aware of Paul’s heartfelt appeal to his friend, making it very difficult for Philemon to punish his errant slave, a man who would have been known to his household.
Paul then mentions that he prays for Philemon, ‘always’, and praises him for the Christian work he is doing, talking about the ‘sharing of your faith’, his love, acknowledging that these things are so because of Christ Jesus (vv.5-6). In doing this he has introduced a higher authority than himself – the ultimate authority in Philemon’s Christian life. Paul mentions his own advancing age, his condition as a prisoner, and his need for someone to minister to him. He points out it would be effectively Philemon ‘ministering’ to him through Onesimus (vv.9-13). Philemon would have to ignore all of this if he were to neglect Paul’s appeal. Then Paul indicates that he is planning to stay with him. That would definitely make for an awkward situation if Onesimus had been punished.
Paul would probably have already known Onesimus through his friendship with Philemon, as he was part of that household. They would have had long conversations within the prison walls about his fears of returning and Paul’s insistence that he should. Paul commits to fulfilling the roles of mediator, advocate, counsellor, redeemer – he offers to pay any debt that Onesimus owes. In doing all of this he is imitating Christ, which is being true to his word and his calling: ‘Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV).
Prayer
Father in heaven, where we have the opportunity, guide us to be a power for reconciliation, to the glory of Christ Jesus. Amen.
Study by Maggie Mitchell
About the writer:
Maggie Mitchell attends the Northampton congregation of Grace Communion International and is Chair of the Pastoral Council
Local congregation:
GCI Northampton
Ecton Village Hall
78A High Street
Ecton
Northampton
NN6 0QB
Local congregational contact:
Maggie Mitchell
Email: maggie.mitchell@btinternet.com
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church