I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Philemon 1:19-20

As I ponder these scriptures, I can’t help but recognize the importance of the physical local Church. The Apostle Paul here, which he clearly identifies himself, is not just acting as Church authority or an Apostle, Paul is acting as a dear friend. The Apostle Paul is deeply invested in the lives of both these men and the Church. Paul doesn’t want Philemon to just forgive Onesimus out of obligation to Christ, He deeply loves both these guys and wants unity within the Church

You can’t develop these deep relationships outside of physically spending time together. Christians who neglect the local Body of Christ are doing themselves a great disservice, one of the main purposes of the local Church is to have a Christian family, a community of believers that fellowship with one another and share the love of Christ. You will not find this anywhere except the Church. 

As I mentioned in my previous post about verses 17 and 18, The Apostle Paul is taking on the role as a Mediator “I will repay” Paul is looking to resolve this conflict, any money that was taken by Onesimus, Paul will personally pay it to Philemon, just forgive the man of his debts. And then Paul reminds Philemon that he owes him also “not to mention to you that you owe me, even your own self besides”

Paul is asking Philemon for a favor, the value of his discipleship and teachings, the value of Pauls mentorship and friendship, Philemon owes Paul a great debt. This may sound arrogant but its the truth, how valuable would it have been if we could have the Apostle Paul personally disciple us? Would be invaluable!

This again brings me back to your local Church, do you have a Godly Pastor? Are you blessed to have a Pastor who preaches and teaches the Word of God and is led by the Holy Spirit? If so, appreciate your Pastor! These men of God are invaluable, cherish your local Church community, because Christ has built His Church!

The Apostle Paul is saying to Philemon, this is all I ask of you, forgive and receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ “let me have joy from you (Philemon) in The Lord” Refresh My Heart! This is Paul is asking , he’s not looking for money or any carnal desire, just forgive and love one another as Christ has forgiven us! Amen!

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. Philemon 1:17-18

As we continue through the Epistle of Philemon, we see the Apostle Paul pleading and making his case for Onesimus to be reconciled back to Philemon and the Church. Notice Paul says “if then you count me as a partner, receive him (Onesimus) as you would me (Paul)” 

Now think about this, many of us view the Apostle Paul in high regard. Here’s a man who gave his life to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, I’m sure many of us would be more than happy to have Paul as a member of our local Church. Consider this relationship was even deeper with Philemon, they were brothers in Christ, and Paul is telling him, if you trust me, trust Onesimus

The Apostle Paul is literally sticking his neck out, his reputation for his brother Onesimus, he is vouching for him, saying if you can trust me, you can trust him. This is a huge deal for Paul to endorse Onsimus, he is risking his entire reputation and ministry on this. If Onesimus is truly not a changed man, this could destroy the trust and relationships Paul built over the years. But the Apostle Paul is sure Onesimus is a true Born Again brother in Christ!

Paul even takes it one step further by saying “But if he (Onesimus) has wronged you or owes you (Philemon) anything, put that on my (Paul) account” Again what a massive statement by Paul, if Onesimus does anything wrong to you or owes you anything, charge it to the Apostle Paul. It’s almost like insurance for Philemon, if Onesimus is still a deceiver, Paul will cover anything that is stolen or damaged.

Now when you read this, you can’t help but see the gospel message in this story! We are Onesimus, we were the slaves to sin that deserved punishment. But Christ took the penalty of our sins, Christ stood in our place and took our death on the cross! Our righteousness is in Christ alone! And Christ has made us a New Man, a new creation and sent us out to serve!

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  Amen!