Scripture Reading: Philemon 1-25
Of Paul's thirteen New Testament letters, the letter to Philemon may be the most personal. It is the shortest book in the New Testament and contains no explicit theology or command for its readers. This warm, heartfelt letter highlights the beauty of forgiveness as it illustrates God's forgiveness of those who seek Him in humility and faith.
Paul writes this letter to Philemon, his dear friend, about Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon and had run away, probably having stolen money from his master (v 18). Onesimus traveled to Rome where he met with Paul, probably having sought Paul out. It is possible that Onesimus had seen Paul at Philemon's house in Colossae, when the church in Colossae gathered there.
In his conversations with Onesimus, Paul led him to Christ (v 10) and now sends him back to Philemon, his master. Paul's appeal is that Philemon will receive Onesimus back "no longer as a bondservant, but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother" (v 16). The implication is that Paul is encouraging Philemon not only to receive Onesimus, but to forgive him and maybe even to free him from being a slave.
Based on the fact that we have this letter in the Bible, we can conclude that Philemon did what Paul was asking him to do. This is a beautiful illustration of God's forgiveness. Jesus intercedes for us and the Father, based on Christ's work, takes away the penalty God's justice requires. Philemon could have, legally, punished Onesimus. Instead he showed him mercy. God could have, legally, punished all of us. Instead, in mercy He sent His Son to free us from the bonds of sin and death. His grace is beyond description. We simply bow down in wonder and humility and gratitude.
