Philemon

 Good morning. What a beautiful day yesterday! There couldn't have been a nicer day! I hope you all had time to enjoy the weather and be happy! 

Today's brief letter is to Philemon, a leader of the Colossian church. The letter is written by Paul while he is in prison and also co-authored by Timothy. The date is between 57-62AD, so Paul is either in Caesarea Maritime (earlier date) or Rome (later date).  Since Timothy is with Paul, it is likely the more earlier time frame. The letter is about reconciliation and forgiveness. It is written on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave that has converted to Christianity.

In the introduction, Paul writes he is a prisoner of Jesus. Paul never considered himself a prisoner of Rome, but of Christ. It was his love for Christ that put him in prison. An interesting way to look at it! When Paul mentions Philemon- he leaves out that he is looked at as an apostle, but rather a friend. In many of Paul's letters, he addresses himself (Paul) as an apostle.  We can gather there is some type of intimate relationship between Paul and Philemon, rather than "apostle" to student relationship. Thoughts are that Apphia was Philemon's wife and Archippus was their son. This letter is very personal- addressed to just this family rather than an entire church. Roman law had the woman/wife be the "supervisor" of the slaves, so she certainly needed to be included in this latter from Paul- although Philemon would make the final determinations. We know that Philemon had a church that met on his house. The Jews had synagogues, but Christians had no other property  than their homes for worship services, so many net in personal homes even up to the 3rd century. Many of the churches in the United States began in peoples' homes too, so this is not unusual. How often do we "do church" in a home setting now?

Paul's beginning words are about prayer for Philemon and that his teachings of faith would be effective (v 6). We know from this that Philemon had some role on faith formation of the people in the church. It seems as though Paul's prayers for Philemon are not extensive as he "mentions" Philemon in his prayers (v 4). He commends Philemon on the work he has done on behalf of others and the love that he has shown to those in the faith (v 7).

Paul now gets to the point of the letter (vv 8-11). With the authority Paul has, he could command that Philemon follow his request, but instead Paul asks nicely in the name of love. There is a big difference here! A love appeal is more effective than an outright command. Are you more receptive to a "love appeal" or an outright "command"? Paul uses his wisdom here (v 9) saying he is an old man in prison, trying to stir up emotions from Philemon. Do we do that- attempt to stir peoples' emotions before asking for something big?

Onesimus was a slave to Philemon; he escaped to Rome (v 10) and converted to Christianity ("my child").  According to ancient Greek and Roman law, an escaped slave could be granted sanctuary at an altar (even one in a family home) and the owner of the altar would then have to plead the case for the escaped slave with the master. If the slave didn't go back, the slave would be sold at auction and the money returned to the owner.  Paul is in that position now of bargaining for Onesimus' life.

Interesting side note, the name Onesimus means profitable (v 11). Paul says that now Onesimus is a Christian he has worth and is valuable. Christ takes the invaluable and "worthless" and makes them valuable! In Christ, useless becomes useful. Do we view people that way, or are we still swayed by their skin color, orientation, ethnicity, style of dress?

Paul seems to have convinced Onesimus to go back to Philemon, but is asking Philemon for grace and mercy. According to Roman law, a runaway slave could be crucified. Under Roman law, the life of a slave was at the control of their master and they could do essentially what they wanted. There was a report that a slave had a tray full of crystal goblets; one dropped and broke. The owner immediately threw the slave into a pond full of lampreys and watched and laughed as the slave was eaten alive by the fish! If they weren't killed, the would often be branded on their forehead with the letter "F" (fugitive).

Clearly, Paul wanted Onesimus to stay in Rome with him, and he asks that of Philemon (v 13). Paul could attempt to have Philemon let Onesimus stay, but it was ultimately Philemon's decision. If Paul forced Philemon to make a decision, then it would't really be a "good deed" (v 14). 

Paul acknowledges that Onesimus ran away, but uses the words "separated from your for a short time..." (v 15). It softens the offense! Philemon was deprived of a valuable asset, but possibly the "purpose" of Onesimus running away was the conversion to Christianity! God wanted Philemon to see the purpose too. Paul also softens the escape by calling Onesimus Philemon's brother (rather than slave) as he attempts to abolish the barrier between slave and free. When we see people different from us- do we see them as brother and sister or do we see them as black, olive, Muslim, gay, dirty, homeless, or otherwise? If a person is a stranger, it is easier to make them a slave- but how can my brother or sister be a slave?

Paul stands strong next to Onesimus (vv 17-19). He knows that Onesimus is guilty and deserves punishment, but he also knows that he is a friend and brother in Christ. If you punish my brother, then you must also punish me. That is what Christ does for us all the time, stands next to us as brother when we face God.

I love the closing words, "Refresh my heart in Christ..." (v 20). Sometimes we get so downtrodden and buried deep with emotions, pain, suffering, hate, fear, that we need a refresher or reminder that God is present and active. I think that is what Paul is asking Philemon here...remind me again that God is alive! Do we need those reminders of God's presence?

Paul let's Philemon know that he'd like to come for a visit, showing us the close nature of Paul's relationship with Philemon (also an indication that Paul is not in Roman prison, because he never left the prison in Rome until his execution).

Paul closes with a list of names of people that are either in prison with Paul or are visiting Paul and have a close relationship with Philemon (vv 23-24),making the letter even more personal for Philemon. Remember- Demas is the same person that Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4:10 who left Paul for "love of the world"

Paul never called for an end to the systemic slavery, yet the principles in the letter do destroy slavery. The greatest social changes happen when we change one heart at at time. This one letter was used quite extensively in the fight against slavery in the 1860s. 

There is no Biblical record of the resolution to this issue, however there are some historical accounts that Onesimus did become a bishop of Ephesus (as named by Ignatius of Antioch). From slave to brother to bishop. All things are possible with God!

There are lots of things we can learn form this letter. Paul's plea for Philemon to treat Onesimus with love is the underlying message that many people need to hear!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the beauty we are blessed with! I am attending Chenango Valley's Senior Prom tonight ans am excited to see some of my kids and friends. 

Don't forget- LM Yard sale is tomorrow (Saturday) from 9AM until 2PM.

Monday we read Jude. I have never read that personal letter!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul