Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philemon 1:21-25

As we are coming to the end of this epistle, the Apostle Paul is ending it with “Having confidence in your obedience” Paul is very sure that Philemon and the Church will do the right thing, to restore Onesimus as a brother in Christ, why? Because this Church is led by the Holy Spirit, and Paul knows all of them very well. In fact, Paul is so confident in them he states “knowing that you will do even more than I say”

Churches are going to be tested, Satan is going to try and divide the body of Christ, we must cling to the precious word of God “ Forgive one another as Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32)  The Apostle Paul knows this Church is truly led by the Holy Spirit, truly obedient to Christ, truly bow a knee to our Father in Heaven. How many Churches have split apart over simple disagreements? 

Here’s an interesting statement Paul makes “prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you” Its historically documented that Paul was imprisoned by Rome twice, when Paul wrote this during his frist imprisonment, he was released and probably eventually visited the Church of Colossae. Paul was sure that through the prayers of the Church, he would be released and be able to visit them one more time, and the Holy Spirit was right!

Next the Apostle Paul closes with mentioning so well know Christians and some maybe not so well known Christians. Epaphras, who is also mentioned in the Epistle of Colossians (Colossians 1:7, 4:12) was said to be probably the one who planted the Church in Colossae and preached the gospel to the people of the area. Epaphras was also believed to have traveled to Rome to visit Paul in prison to update him on anything going on, it was also believed he was a Gentile

Of course we all know Mark (known as John Mark) author of the Gospel of Mark, and Dr. Luke (author of Gospel of Luke) And probably the lesser known Christians, Aristarchus, we known as a fellow servant with Paul, more well known from the book of Acts 19, who was arrested with Paul during the riot in Ephesus

Then the Apostle Paul ends with an encouraging reminder “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” Reminding the Church, they are not just followers of Christ but Born Again in Christ, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father, Amen!

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!

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!

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!

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

Today we begin the journey through the Epistle of Philemon, while this is a short letter with only 1 Chapter, this is a very powerful story. We all remember the beautiful Christmas song “All Holy Night” , with the line “the slave is your brother” this is my opinion sums up this Epistle. A beautiful and true story, about forgiveness, redemption, and being part of the body of Christ

The Apostle Paul clearly identifies himself as the author, also describes himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” This has dual meaning, as Paul was literally in prison when he wrote this letter, but also Paul described himself as a Prisoner of Christ, in the epistle to the Ephesians “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1)

Another note is Paul is not addressing himself with Apostolic authority, but as a brother in Christ. This letter was meant to be a personal writing and not a teaching to the Church. However since Paul was so filled with the Holy Spirit, we can take these words and events and learn from them as Christians. Paul also mentions Timothy , our brother. While Philemon, and the others mentioned in the letter are part of the Church of Colossae, there is also a connection with the Church of Ephesus, of which Timothy is the Pastor. It’s believed Philemon was saved in Ephesus under Paul’s ministry. 

The letter is clearly being addressed to Philemon, who Paul describes as a “beloved friend and fellow laborer” It’s believed Philemon hosted a Church in his house in the city of Colosse,  It’s also believed Paul would stay at Philemon’s house when visiting in that region. Apphia is also mentioned, who is believed to be Philemon’s wife. Then another man is mentioned named Archippus, he is referred to as “fellow soldier” With Pauls reference here, its likely Archippus was the Pastor of this house Church, while Philemon and Apphia supported it. Archippus is also referenced in Pauls letter to the Church of Colosse “And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)

Now the main focus of the letter is Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus, and how their conversion in Christ , not only changed their own lives but perhaps the course of history