Philemon

Philemon was filled with excitement as he held the letter Paul had written from prison. Philemon felt honored to receive a personal letter from Paul; his prison letters were highly valued among those who knew him.

Philemon’s mind wandered to past visits with Paul; especially the time Paul had introduced him to the knowledge of Jesus, his Savior. Since meeting Paul, Philemon’s life had been changed.

Remembering the letter, Philemon’s eyes scanned its contents; his heart became heavy. The name, Onesimus, leapt off the page. Philemon wanted to forget Onesimus, and now Paul’s words opened past wounds. Onesimus had been Philemon’s slave, yet ran away, taking some of Philemon’s possessions with him.

Philemon recalled Paul’s powerful voice as he read the words. “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my heart. It seems Onesimus ran away for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me; welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.”

Obviously, Paul knew the wrongs Onesimus has committed against Philemon, yet expected Onesimus to be well received.

“I, Paul, write this with my own hand; and I won’t mention that you owe me your own soul.” Philemon smiled, in spite of his inner struggle. If Paul wasn’t going to mention it, then why was he mentioning it? Philemon knew no one more persuasive than Paul.

Before today, Philemon felt certain he would not hear of Onesimus again, never expecting their paths to cross. Now everything had changed. Philemon and Onesimus had something in common; Paul had led each of them to Jesus, and Paul expected things to be made right.

Philemon was irritated with Paul’s request, yet he knew Paul was no novice when it came to forgiveness. Paul had been forgiven much; and therefore, he humbly forgave others.

Philemon stood face to face with a choice; he must either forgive Onesimus, or risk separation from both Onesimus and Paul. Then again, what choice did he really have? Philemon knew Paul’s persistence; he would not give up until Philemon relented. Besides, Paul had strong confidence in him; how could he disappoint one he so dearly loved?

Philemon made his decision. He would forgive Onesimus, and receive him back as his own. It might not be easy, but he could not refuse a brother; nor would he disappoint the one to whom he owed his own soul.

Philemon’s heart warmed with peace as he re-read the closing words of Paul’s letter: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Paul was reminding Philemon of God’s grace, which was exactly what Philemon needed as he looked up from the letter and saw Onesimus standing in front of him.

(Words in quotation marks are taken directly from the book of Philemon in the New Living Translation. All other words are my imagination of how the story may have transpired. The book of Philemon is short, only 1 chapter, 25 verses. I hope you’ll read it for yourself.)