Monthly Archives: October 2025

Philemon 1- No Longer A Slave

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For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1:15-16

The question we love to ask God is why? Why did this happen to me? Why did I have to go through this? As we grow in Christ, we learn that God allows these things to happen, because it makes us stronger in the long run. As the Apostle Paul said “And we know that God works for the good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) This can be difficult for us to grasp or comprehend, however Gods ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)

The Apostle Paul makes a very divine observation here “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose” Even though at one time Onesimus may have seemed unforgivable or rebellious, God needed him to go through this hard time to lead him to Christ. You can imagine when Onesimus stole from Philemon, who was his boss, his master, he was disgraced, he had to go on the run to hide for his life. 

And it’s interesting to think about, this situation not only changed Onesimus, but it also changed Philemon, and eventually the whole Church community of Colossae. You could imagine, Philemon was probably extremely angry with Onesimus, he probably even wished harm on him, but Paul was reminding him, you are a brother in Christ now. As Paul taught them “Forgive because Christ has forgiven us” (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul reminds them about Onesimus “No longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother” Powerful reminder of the gospel message, Onesimus was no longer a literal and spiritual slave, He was set free by Christ, He is a brother in Christ to the Church community, including Philemon. This is the same for us! We are no longer slaves to sin and the devil, we are now children of God through Jesus Christ ! (Galatians 3:26)

“Especially to me” Paul reveals how him and Onesimus became great friends while in prison united by Christ. And if the Apostle Paul spoke highly of Onesimus then they should receive him in regards to Pauls witness. “And how much more to you” Paul is telling the Church, Onesimus will be of great service to their community, he went from being a despised slave to a beloved brother in Christ! 

How can this happen? As the Apostle Paul states “In The Lord” its all because of Jesus we can be saved, we can be redeemed, we can be Born Again, from a slave to a brother! Amen!

Philemon 1- Onesimus is Sent

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I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. Philemon 1:12-14

The Apostle Paul is now making the heartbreaking decision to send Onesimus back to Colossae, so why is he doing this? First reason is Onesimus is now a Born Again Christian, a brother in Christ, and he wants to make amends with Philemon, who was his master and whom he stole money from. Paul is pleading with Philemon and the Church of Colossae to forgive and accept Onesimus as their brother in Christ.

Secondly, Paul believes Onesimus will be very useful for the Church of Colossae. Onesimus has been a great help to Paul, however the Apostle knows his days are numbered, while in the Roman prison, Paul will eventually be beheaded and fulfill his race for Christ. 

Now during this exchange, we learn of another faith servant named Tychicus. This brother may not be a household name like Paul, but he is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament (Acts 20:4, Romans 15:25-26, Ephesians 6:21) In the epistle to the Colossians , its stated this about Tychicus

7Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that [b]he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. (Colossians 4:7-9)

The Apostle Paul has sent Onesimus back with Tychicus to Colossae, its clear Paul has great trust in Tychicus, and respects him as a faithful minister in Christ. Paul is entrusting this Epistle to Philemon, will be delivered by Tychicus with Onesimus. I’m sure with Tychicus great reputation in the Church, it will be more appealing for the Church of Colossae to accept Onesimus back as a brother in Christ

Notice Paul states “But without your consent I wanted to do nothing” meaning Paul is not forcing Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, Paul is pleading as a brother and Apostle, to trust him , and the testimony of Tychicus, the Onesimus is redeemed and Born Again!