Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. Philemon 1:8-11

So now that we know the history the Apostle Paul has with Philemon and his wife Apphia, we are going to see Paul use his apostolic authority to plead to them to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. To understand what Paul is asking here, we need to first understand who Onesimus was and what he did.

Onesimus was a slave owned by Philemon, as the time Onesimus was not a Christian and he stole money from Philemon. Onesimus then fled to Rome to try and disappear as a fugitive. While in Rome, Onesimus has met the Apostle Paul while in prison , as he says “whom I have begotten while in my chains” It’s believed Onesimus was serving time in prison, which would make sense since he broke Roman law by running away and stealing from his Master. But while in prison, Onesimus became saved in Christ by the teachings of the Apostle Paul

So as Paul states here “though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting” Paul understands Philemon is going to have bad feelings towards Onesimus, but Paul wants him to trust him, by his relationship with him and his authority as an Apostle. Onesimus has now become Born Again in Christ, he’s not the same man who he once was, can we relate to this story? I’m sure Paul can relate to this story, as in his old life persecuted Christians, and when he became saved, the Church was at first reluctant to receive him also. So Paul understands Philemon, and probably the whole Church of Colossae concerns.

Paul developed a close relationship with his new disciple Onesimus, calling him “my son”, he also said “whom I have begotten” So its clear the Apostle Paul truly believes that Onesimus has truly been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, he has faith Onesimus is a true convert in Christ, and wants the Christian community to forgive him and receive him as a brother in Christ

As the Apostle Paul states “whom was once unprofitable or useless to you, but now is profitable or useful for you” Paul not only believes Onesimus is a brother of Christ, but he could also be a great benefit to the Church of Colossae. He is pleading to them , to forgive and receive Onesimus as a Child of God, Amen!

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 1:4-7

The Apostle Paul begins by expressing love and gratitude for his brother Philemon, praying for him every day and being “refreshed” by him. This should be a reminder for all of us, do we pray for our Church daily? Do we pray for our Pastor or Elders? What would others say about you? Would they mention your faith and love in Christ? 

The intent of the Apostle Paul’s letter is to encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, and to forgive what Onesimus did to him, stealing his money and running away. That’s why this is a power Epistle, this is a redemption story , this is the gospel message being played out in real life!

Notice Paul mentions to Philemon, your faith in Christ and love towards all the saints! Hint, hint! As Jesus commanded us “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34) Paul is encouraging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him as his brother in Christ! This is a lesson all of us could learn from! Did someone wrong you? Forgive because Christ has forgiven us! (Ephesians 4:32)

“That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing,” The Church community of Colossae are well aware of the situation between Philemon and Onesimus. There might be Christians in the community that have a bad view of Onesimus because of what he has done. That’s why , Paul understands how powerful this moment will be, when the Church community witnesses Philemon forgiving and receiving Onesimus as a brother of Christ

Think about your own Church family, is there a brother or sister who has been shunned from the community? Has there been a prodigal that has strayed away from the flock? Imagine the power of Christ, if this person was forgiven and received back into the Church community! Why should we do this? As Paul states “which is in you is in Christ Jesus” Because your identity is in Christ and not yourself, because Christ lives inside you and you are his servants!

“For we have great joy and consolation in your love” What is the Apostle Paul referencing here, Paul is referencing the joy and love the Church will receive from the grace and mercy demonstrated by a leader in the Church, Philemon. “The hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you”! This act of forgiveness and love was contagious to the entire Church, may we be led by the Holy Spirit and do the same!