PHILEMON 8-17 - FROM RUNAWAY SLAVE TO BELOVED BROTHER

PHILEMON 8-17

FROM RUNAWAY SLAVE

TO BELOVED BROTHER

Philemon 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, Paul could have commanded Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother and forgive his thievery and running away.

Philemon 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Since Paul is Philemon’s elder in the sense of age, and his father in the faith, he pleads with Philemon on the basis of his love for the Lord and his love for Paul to do what he is asking. Paul trusts his knowledge of Philemon’s character which he commended in the first part of the letter and believes Philemon will do the right thing.

Philemon 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

In what respect was Onesimus Paul’s son? Paul gave birth to Onesimus in the spiritual sense because he introduced him to Jesus and discipled him while they were together.

Philemon 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

The name Onesimus means useful. In the eyes of Philemon Onesimus was useless since he had stolen from him and had run away. Paul was saying that Onesimus was now useful, living up to his name, and would be so for Philemon as well as Paul and also for the kingdom of God.

Philemon 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Paul is returning Onesimus to his owner, Philemon. He urges Philemon to receive him graciously because he now holds Onesimus dear as made clear in the Complete Jewish Bible:

Philemon 12 (CJB) so that in returning him to you I am sending a part of my very heart.

Philemon 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

Paul would have liked to have kept Onesimus with him in Rome because he comforted and encouraged him as Philemon would have done had he been there. Paul was “in the bonds of the Gospel” meaning he was in prison for preaching the Good News, the message that Christ was and is the Messiah and His redeeming work on the cross was for all who would believe.

Philemon 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

As stated before, Paul was an Apostle and could have kept Onesimus without consulting Philemon, but respected Philemon and did not want to do anything without being in agreement. He wanted Philemon’s forgiveness and acceptance of Onesimus to be freely given and genuine rather than compelled in order for Philemon to reap greater benefit from extending forgiveness.

Philemon 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Perhaps the Lord’s reason for allowing Onesimus to run away was that he might come to know Jesus and return to Philemon as a brother in the Lord. Paul was able to share with Onesimus the freedom in Jesus, that one can be free even if a slave. Paul’s desire is that Philemon might enjoy Onesimus as a beloved, fellow believer as well as having the benefit of his service again.

Philemon 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

The Voice translation handles this verse well:

Philemon 17 (VOICE) So if you look upon me as your partner in this mission, then I ask you to open your heart to him as you would welcome me.

Paul asked Philemon to treat Onesimus as a part of his heart, as he would Paul. Apparently the relationship between Paul and Philemon was very close, and Paul hoped Philemon could develop that type of friendship with Onesimus even though he was a slave.

Ponder This: Onesimus had trusted Jesus which means he had repented of his sin and now was indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul asked Philemon not only to forgive Onesimus and take him back as his servant, but to give him the VIP welcome that Philemon would normally give to Paul. This would truly be forgiving as Christ forgave. Jesus not only forgives our sin but gloriously welcomes us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.