#44d- Grace Unites?
Sending Home To Amazing Grace
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(English Standard Version)
Philm - Greeting - Philemon’s Love and Faith - Paul’s Plea for Onesimus - Final Greetings
COMMENTS and QUESTIONS
by J Neil Evans:
Read Philemon yourself then …
Watch the Bible Project video Philemon
The first thing I notice about this little letter (perhaps because I tend to look for it) is that it too begins and ends with the Grace of God. Paul describes how he met a young man named Onesimus while Paul himself was in prison. Onesimus had become a follower of Jesus through his interaction with Paul, and been faithfully serving Paul in various significant ways. In the course of their relationship Paul learned that Onesimus had been a slave of Paul’s friend Philemon. Furthermore, Onesimus had evidently run away from Philemon, perhaps stealing something from him. So, Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon along with this letter.
Not understanding the heart of Paul, some might consider Paul’s beginning praise of Philemon as “buttering him up”. But the description of Philemon’s love and faith in the Lord Jesus and all His saints, is genuine. And while it is thanks for Philemon’s effective ministries, it is fundamentally “for the sake of Christ”. (:6) And it is because Paul knows the heart and life of Philemon that he is confidently sending Onesimus back to him. While Paul would perhaps have encouraged Onesimus to repentantly go back to an unforgiving master, we don’t know that he would have “sent” (:12) him back.
Paul’s personal comments are a good insight into the deep and practical fellowship Christians can have with each other. But I think there is something very profound in the letter. From my human perspective I can imagine how very difficult it might have been for Onesimus to return to the life of a slave knowing the punishment he deserved for his offenses. While it is difficult to humbly accept forgiveness when we offend someone, I think it is much more difficult to forgive those who offend us. I am sure that I remember many more of the people who have offended me than I remember those I have offended.
So, while this letter is an important reminder that as followers of Jesus we are to be quick to both repent and forgive, there is an even greater reminder here. The offenses to God that you and I are guilty of are much much greater than any offense we could give each other. Yet the Bible says that when we repentantly turn to God we find that Jesus has paid our debt in full and we are welcomed as the King’s children, and are glad to serve Him diligently.
One last thought: what an amazing privilege to be a Paul and help an Onesimus to be united with the Amazing Grace of their Awesome Master.
<<< BIBLE CHAPTER SECTIONS: >>>
(English Standard Version)
Philm - Greeting - Philemon’s Love and Faith - Paul’s Plea for Onesimus - Final Greetings
COMMENTS and QUESTIONS
by J Neil Evans:
Read Philemon yourself then …
Watch the Bible Project video Philemon
The first thing I notice about this little letter (perhaps because I tend to look for it) is that it too begins and ends with the Grace of God. Paul describes how he met a young man named Onesimus while Paul himself was in prison. Onesimus had become a follower of Jesus through his interaction with Paul, and been faithfully serving Paul in various significant ways. In the course of their relationship Paul learned that Onesimus had been a slave of Paul’s friend Philemon. Furthermore, Onesimus had evidently run away from Philemon, perhaps stealing something from him. So, Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon along with this letter.
Not understanding the heart of Paul, some might consider Paul’s beginning praise of Philemon as “buttering him up”. But the description of Philemon’s love and faith in the Lord Jesus and all His saints, is genuine. And while it is thanks for Philemon’s effective ministries, it is fundamentally “for the sake of Christ”. (:6) And it is because Paul knows the heart and life of Philemon that he is confidently sending Onesimus back to him. While Paul would perhaps have encouraged Onesimus to repentantly go back to an unforgiving master, we don’t know that he would have “sent” (:12) him back.
Paul’s personal comments are a good insight into the deep and practical fellowship Christians can have with each other. But I think there is something very profound in the letter. From my human perspective I can imagine how very difficult it might have been for Onesimus to return to the life of a slave knowing the punishment he deserved for his offenses. While it is difficult to humbly accept forgiveness when we offend someone, I think it is much more difficult to forgive those who offend us. I am sure that I remember many more of the people who have offended me than I remember those I have offended.
So, while this letter is an important reminder that as followers of Jesus we are to be quick to both repent and forgive, there is an even greater reminder here. The offenses to God that you and I are guilty of are much much greater than any offense we could give each other. Yet the Bible says that when we repentantly turn to God we find that Jesus has paid our debt in full and we are welcomed as the King’s children, and are glad to serve Him diligently.
One last thought: what an amazing privilege to be a Paul and help an Onesimus to be united with the Amazing Grace of their Awesome Master.
Check out these LINKS:
Watch Bible Project summary of Philemon
Read "Bible Words to Ponder" related to this week study
Read "The Gospel"