7th September 2025

To affirm someone is to support, encourage, and confirm another’s worth and dignity, and in Philemon, Paul’s shortest and most personal letter written during his first imprisonment in Rome, he explores the theme of affirmation. Philemon is a respected member of the church in Colossae, and central to the letter is the story of Onesimus, a runaway slave who, after encountering Paul, becomes a Christian. Paul writes to Philemon seeking reconciliation and forgiveness for Onesimus, urging Philemon to receive him ‘…no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother…’ (v.16). His appeal is rich in affirmation in his advocacy for Onesimus, and in his appeals to Philemon’s character.

Paul had a way of genuinely affirming people and acknowledging the valuable contribution that each one was making for the cause of Christ. Paul begins by addressing Philemon as ‘…our dear friend and fellow worker’ (v.1). He then expresses his gratitude for Philemon’s faith and the love he shows towards fellow believers: ‘I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,  because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus’ (vv.4-5), and ‘Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people’ (v7). Here, Paul is not only acknowledging Philemon’s virtues but also affirms his role in the Christian community as a source of comfort and refreshment. By doing so, Paul sets a positive tone for his request, reinforcing Philemon’s identity as someone who acts with compassion and kindness.

The transformation of Onesimus is another key aspect of Paul’s affirmation in his letter to Philemon. Paul affirms Onesimus’s new identity in Christ, elevating him from the status of a runaway slave to a beloved brother, affirming his worth within the Christian community: ‘…I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you.’ (vv.10-12). Paul here is using a pun on Onesimus’s name which means ‘useful’ (see margin of verse 10). By saying that Onesimus was once ‘useless’, but is now ‘useful’, Paul is profoundly affirming as he recognises the radical change in Onesimus’s life and invites Philemon to see him through the lens of grace and brotherhood.

By affirming Philemon’s character, Paul makes it easier for him to act with grace and generosity, and by affirming Onesimus’s change, Paul removes the stigma of his past and encourages a future built on acceptance. Such affirmation is essential for healing wounds and rebuilding trust. It is a demonstration of the gospel’s power to renew relationships and overcome division.

To affirm one another in the Christian community is a responsibility we all have. How long has it been since you’ve told your husband, wife or children how much you appreciate them in a specific way? When did you last tell someone at church how much you value them for their Christian service, or simply for being a brother or sister in Christ? In Christ, every person is given dignity, purpose, and acceptance. Affirming this truth in others can transform lives and communities.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church