DEVOTIONAL

We wrap up this mini-series in Paul’s letter with the final viewpoint from Philemon, the recipient of the letter. Let’s begin with a recap of what we know about Philemon through the hints Paul provides in the letter. Paul calls Philemon a “beloved fellow worker” because Philemon opens his home for people to gather to hear the Gospel. There is not a church building because of the political climate. Philemon plays a vital role in the early years of the Gospel spreading in Colossae because he is radically changed by it. He wants others to be changed too.

Philemon’s “agape” sacrificial love (v.4) is called out in the letter by Paul because it is changing lives. The news of what Philemon is doing has spread all the way to Paul in Rome. Philemon shows strong faith and love for Jesus. Fellow believers are refreshed by Philemon. Paul says in the letter how the news brings him comfort and joy. These are all great things. I can hear the positive encouragements of Philemon’s solid character from everyone he encounters.

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.

Philemon 1:4-5

Now back up with me about five years before Philemon travels 120 miles from Colossae to Ephesus and hears the Gospel preached by Paul. Before Jesus changes Philemon, he is a different man. What events led Philemon to take a trip to Ephesus? I do not know, but I am itching to ask. Like you and me, we looked different before the Gospel changed us. Life before Jesus, I was a slave to sin. I was weighed down by shame. I could not save myself. The same was true for Philemon. He did not see people, like Onesimus, made in the image of God. Philemon did not value Onesimus at all (v. 11). Paul is clear about this in the letter. The status and wealth of Philemon elevated himself above slaves. Philemon might have placed his identity in the power and authority he flexed over others. But the good news is Philemon is no longer that old self Onesimus remembers before he fled to Rome. Jesus wiped out all the regrets, shame, and wrongdoings from Philemon’s past. Philemon has been made new by the grace and mercy of Jesus.

Imagine the day arrives when the letter is delivered to Philemon. As he unfolds the letter from Paul, what races through his mind? Is his heart hopeful to receive encouragement? Or does Philemon anticipate this is about a visit from Paul in the coming months? Was he stunned by Paul’s mention of Onesimus? How many times did Philemon read the letter? Oh, I have so many questions. Each of the letters in the New Testament penned by Paul or another author, I would love to hear the response from the recipients. However, I am pretty confident how this one plays out.

I believe Philemon listens to the appeal Paul writes to forgive Onesimus and welcomes him back in Colossae to partner together to spread the Gospel. I picture a couple reasons why Philemon listens to Paul. First, he respects Paul. Philemon believes that the real change in Paul can only be credited to Jesus. Also, he listens because Paul writes in love. This is not far-fetched, it’s in the letter. And maybe the radical change in Philemon and how he has been part of the Gospel quickly spreading and changing lives in Colossae has humbled him. Philemon knows Someone greater is at work here. There is no room for Philemon to boast or flex his power and authority like he used to. The letter from Paul finds Philemon in a stage of life where he thinks and acts differently. What once motivated Philemon is replaced by the grace and mercy of Jesus. Philemon looks different. He walks in humility.

The end of the letter feels like a cliff hanger, but then it doesn’t. Does Philemon forgive Onesimus? Is Philemon willing to extend grace and mercy to Onesimus and welcome him back? The letter alludes to the answer in verse 21. Paul believes Philemon and Onesimus reunite as beloved brothers in Jesus.

This letter points me to the One who makes a way for me to come home to the Father welcomed by His loving mercy. It points me to the One I sinned against. The One that forgives my sin without being asked. The One to wipe out my debt by laying down His life. The One that reconciles me to God and others. The One I choose to say “yes” to every single day in humility knowing Someone greater is at work here and I love being part of it too.

Q: Give thanks to God for including this letter in the Bible. We need it. Ask God how to be part of spreading the Gospel where you are like Philemon.

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Philemon 1:21