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!