Philemon

Paul's letter to Philemon is short and often overlooked because of it's personal content. At first glance, there doesn't appear to be anything contained in this letter that would prove valuable to the modern day Christian. However, I believe that there are many hidden jewels found within this book of the Bible that could minister to us in the best and in the worst of times.

Paul begins this letter with a typical greeting in verse 1. He calls himself a "prisoner of Jesus Christ" and he describes Philemon as a man that is "dearly beloved" and a fellow laborer." Philemon was a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colosse.

After completing his greetings, Paul informs Philemon of his constant prayer for him. He also makes mention of the good report that he (Paul) had heard regarding Philemon. Paul is using wisdom here. His request wouldn't be well received if it wasn't properly presented.

In verse 8, Paul admits that he could command Philemon to obey his request, but instead he asks him kindly to make the right choice. Paul goes on to plead with Philemon on behalf of his slave, Onesimus.

The name Onesimus literally means useful. In verse 11, Paul is confident that Onesimus is ready to live up to his name.

Paul informs Philemon that he is sending Onesimus back to him as more than a slave. Paul writes, "I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart." (ESV) The Greek word for heart here is splagchna and it literally means, internal organs. Paul had developed a deep affection for this man.

By writing the letter with his own hand, Paul was agreeing to pay back anything that Onesimus had taken, no matter what the cost.

You might wonder why Paul felt so strongly about this matter. I wonder if Paul was thinking of a time when he himself was longing to be accepted by the Apostles, but they were all afraid of him. But Barnabas stepped in and spoke on Paul's behalf. He could've been thinking of the time when he and Barnabas had separated on account of John Mark, whom Paul thought was too great a risk to take along on a missionary journey because of his previous mistakes. But Barnabas took John Mark under his wing despite the risk. At the end of his life, Paul admitted to Timothy that Mark had become profitable to him for  the ministry. Perhaps this is why he was willing to take the risk for the sake of Onesimus.

When it comes to our brothers and sisters in Christ, there is no risk too great to take on their behalf. We must be willing to stand up for one another. The Bible tells us to "Strengthen the weak hands and feeble knees." When someone's hands have become weak, it makes it difficult to hold onto the hand of Christ, and when the knees are weak, it becomes difficult to walk with Christ. Remember the golden rule…"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." 

Jordan Mills