PHILEMON:

SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION FROM

SLAVE TO SPIRITUAL LEADER

Robert Grice, PhD, LPC

mccsdothan@gmail.com

The following work is the sole property of Robert Grice. The product is free for
download and for personal use.

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 WHY IS PHILEMON RELEVANT TODAY?

A friend asked, “Why study Philemon?” Philemon provides a brief look into the
importance of all of life to God. What describes the normal Christian life? The word
normal can be a confusing term because everyone has a definition of what is the normal
Christian life. What do we find in the New Testament in the way of a description? One
word comes to mind – transformation.

The New Testament from beginning to end describes those who respond to the
Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ for reconciliation with God as being in a
process of spiritual transformation. The spiritual transformation gradually produces
Christlike character and behavior. Why is the theme of transformation and a study of
Philemon important?

The letter to Philemon is simple in terms of length, but complex in terms of

applications. We find Paul’s three-pronged training plan for those called to ministerial
service.

• Training in sound doctrine

• Character formation
• Maintain a clear conscience

Onesimus made progress in training and character formation. Onesimus needed

help in cleansing his conscience from his actions against Philemon. The necessity of
resolving unfinished business with others can be necessary if we value a clear
conscience. Granted, God does not require that we seek to resolve unfinished business
with everyone in our past. The situation may be one where everyone has moved on and
the offense is no longer relevant.

The offense between Onesimus and Philemon was very relevant. Onesimus was in
training to become a minister of the Gospel. The area around Colossae was a primary
ministerial area for Paul. If the issue with Philemon were not resolved, Onesimus would
not be able to minister in the area because word would spread concerning what he did
and did not resolve.

If the matter remained unresolved the offense would damage the reputations of
Onesimus and Paul. Paul insisted that those under his authority live consistent with
sound doctrine. The deception and theft involved in this incident was inconsistent with
sound doctrine. If Paul ignored the issue even for the greater good of retaining
Onesimus for the greater good of the sake of the ministry, Paul’s actions would discredit
his message.

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 Why is this relevant today? I think something lies within the human heart
longs a sense of purpose and meaning. For Christians, purpose and meaning are found
in Christ. For example, Christian literature like Rick Warren’s, Purpose Driven Life offer
recommendations for how to experience a life of purpose and meaning.

God wants to use you as much as you want to be used in an effective way to
spread His kingdom.

God has a calling or purpose for everyone. When we are fulfilling that calling is
when we feel most alive and in sync with our purpose in life. I used to believe that the
calling never changes and to some degree that may be true, but I know that our calling is
linked to our relationship with God, so we must allow that an individual’s calling might
fluctuate at times as their relationship with God develops. The possibility that a calling
might change is another reason why we need to daily follow the leading of the Spirit.

24 Thosewho belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and
desires. 25 Since
we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not
become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5: 24-26)

Paul’s desire was for all of his proteges to have longevity in the ministry. Anyone
can start the race but not everyone crosses the finish line when the race is over. Usually,
those who fail to finish the race stumble because of buying into false doctrine, character
flaws, or due to a seared conscience.

So, what about us? How are we doing in our commitment to sound doctrine and
to character formation? Do we have a clear conscience? Is there some piece of
unfinished business that we need to resolve in order to not hinder our effectiveness for
the kingdom of God?

HOW DOES PHILEMON FIT IN THE OVERALL PICTURE OF THE BIBLE?

Understanding the context of a passage is an essential part of accurate biblical

interpretation. The context of a passage includes where, when, and why the text was
written. The context of a writing is an essential contributor to the meaning of the text.
Each writing in the Bible has a specific purpose, but all of the writings ultimately
support the overall context of the Bible.

The overall message of the Bible is a message of redemption. Redemption is

based upon covenant faithfulness. God’s revelation of His Law to Moses revealed the

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behavioral expectations for being the people of God. Along with the Mosaic Law came
the requirement of monotheistic devotion to Go and the necessity of faith in God.

The books of the Old Testament revealed God’s Law to Israel and the Abrahamic
Covenant. Most of the books of the Old Testament illustrate Israel’s struggle and
ultimate failure with covenant faithfulness. The New Testament focuses on the coming
of Jesus Christ and his fulfillment of the requirements of covenant faithfulness.

Christ not only served as a moral example, but his sacrificial death and
subsequent resurrection provides God’s mercy for humanity in that when we place our
faith in Jesus Christ’s covenant faithfulness, his faithfulness is credited to us. Further,
we are described as being placed in Christ and the Spirit of God dwells in us (1
Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:9).

The story does not end there. Salvation includes the process of sanctification.
Sanctification was the process of transforming something that is common into
something holy. Romans 8 details this process of being transformed into the likeness of
Christ. This is more than cognitive knowledge. The likeness of Christ includes character
formation and the condition of our conscience.

The transformation of those in Christ is a relevant theme in Philemon. We find

Paul’s description of Philemon’s transformation in Christ into a man known for his
godly character and love. Philemon experienced enough spiritual transformation that he
became a leader in the Colossian church. Onesimus experienced the same
transformation.

WHO WAS ONESIMUS?

Onesimus was a runaway slave from Colossae. The prosperous cities in the
Roman Empire were either located on the coasts or on the primary trade routes.
International trade was essential. Colossae was on one of the old trade routes that
connected the coast of Turkey with the Euphrates River. The city was known for the
manufacture of a dark red wool cloth.1

Colossae was prosperous through much of the first century until around 100 BC
when a new trade route extended through the area and bypassed Colossae. The city lost
much of its significance as wealth and trade shifted to nearby Laodicea with the new
trade route. Colossae was destroyed twice by earthquakes in the first century. The

1
https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/colossians-philemon/introduction-to-colossians-and-
philemon/background-on-colossae-and-the-colossians

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combination of a new trade route and natural disasters brought about the gradual
demise of Colossae by 400 AD the city was no more.

Onesimus was part of the household of Philemon. At some point, Onesimus

decided to run away and scholars believe that he stole something of value from
Philemon to fund his trip. Onesimus was not a very profitable servant. Paul notes in the
letter that Onesimus was once useless but was not useful.

Onesimus fled from Colossae to Rome. Why Rome? Rome was a large
metropolitan city. The city had a large multicultural population and Onesimus probably
wanted to blend in and escape capture. While in Rome, Onesimus met Paul and Paul led
him to faith in Christ. Onesimus became one of Paul’s proteges. Paul set about to
prepare Onesimus for work in the ministry.

WHERE WAS THE LETTER WRITTEN?

Though we lack certainty, the common assumption is that Paul wrote this letter
from Rome. We know he was imprisoned in Rome and Onesimus met Paul while he was
imprisoned. The letter was probably written around AD 60-61. Paul indicates that he
was already working on a letter to the Colossian church to send by Tychicus. The
situation with Onesimus prompted Paul to write this personal letter and to send it back
with Onesimus and Tychicus.

Support for Paul’s authorship is strong. Paul’s authorship has been supported by
many of the church fathers like Ignatius, Eusebius, Jerome, and Augustine.2 The book
was written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.

WHY WAS IT WRITTEN?

The letter was written to request leniency and freedom for Onesimus. Paul
appealed to Philemon’s well-known Christian character and love in requesting that
Philemon forgive Onesimus’ debt and to release him to return to assist Paul. Paul
stressed that Onesimus was no longer to be treated like a slave. In Christ, Onesimus was
a brother and should be treated as such.

WHO WAS THE PRIMARY AUDIENCE?

The primary audience or reader was Philemon. Philemon was a prominent leader
of the Colossian church. Philemon’s home was used by one of the congregations. The

2
https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-philemon

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personal letter was accompanied by the general epistle of Colossians to the Colossian
church.

WHAT WERE THE PRIMARY THEMES?

Philemon is a short book with multiple layers of application. Paul will address the
issue of social justice from a Christ-focused perspective. We also find Paul’s three-
pronged strategy for training young ministers but with highlighting the necessity of
completing unfinished business. Additionally, we find other themes in the letter.

• Mercy – Paul appeals for mercy on behalf of Onesimus. Mercy would result in
the release of Onesimus from servitude. Mercy would be costly for Philemon.
Mercy was costly for Christ. Christ’s mercy was demonstrated in his death on the
cross. He paid with his life so that we could go free from our slavery to sin.

• Substitution – Paul offered to pay the debt for Onesimus. Paul also proposed
that Onesimus could be Philemon’s substitute in the ministry. Christ was our
substitute in that he died on the cross in our place. We call this the
substitutionary death of Christ where he was the propitiation or atoning
substitutionary sacrifice for us.

• Transformation – Onesimus experienced a tremendous transformation in

character and spiritual formation. Transformation is part of the Gospel and we
are described as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and as being in the process of
transformation into the likeness of Christ (Romans 8: 28-30). Paul described
Onesimus as going from being useless to being useful.

• Family of God – Paul describes his relationship with the Colossian church and
with Philemon as being like a family. We find the metaphor of a family used to
describe those in Christ throughout the New Testament. As Paul instructed
Philemon, receive Onesimus as a brother.

• Divine providence – Paul suggested that Onesimus ran away perhaps to

enable him to be converted before returning to Philemon. The coming of Christ
and his death on the cross were part of God’s providential plan from the
beginning of time (Galatians 4: 4-5). This was an act of divine providence.

• Consistency – Paul stresses the need for consistency between sound doctrine
and individual behavior in all of his writings. Consistency contributes to a clear
conscience. Consistency gives evidence to our transformation into the likeness of

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 Christ (Romans 8). Consistency promotes the positive reputation of the churches
and gives credence to the power of the Gospel to transform. As Paul assessed
Onesimus, he was not useful instead of useless.

• Forgiveness – Paul asked Philemon to forgive the debt that was part of the
unfinished business between Onesimus and Philemon. The forgiveness Paul
requests on behalf of Onesimus is the same forgiveness we need from God
because we owe a debt to God due to our immoral choices and behaviors that we
cannot pay.

MAIN POINT

God takes pleasure in transforming people into effective representatives of

the Gospel.

That transformation carries us from where we are to where God wants us

to be

But we have to do it God’s way.

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 WHAT APPEAL DID PAUL MAKE IN REQUESTING THE RELEASE OF
ONESIMUS?

1. WE ARE FAMILY (1: 4-7)

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about

your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your
partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of
every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy
and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s
people.

Paul opens with greetings for Philemon, Philemon’s family, and for the
congregation that met in Philemon’s home. Paul expressed appreciation for all they had
done in supporting his ministry. Paul praised Philemon’s reputation for godly character
and for loving those who are in Christ.

The warmth of Paul’s opening words demonstrated the tenderness Paul felt for
the Christians in Colossae. Paul assured them that they were constantly in his prayers.
Paul commended their “partnership with us in the faith” and prayed that their support
of his ministry would deepen their understanding of “every good thing we share for the
sake of Christ” or the Gospel.

The reputation of the Colossian Christians and Philemon specifically gave Paul a
reason to rejoice and to be encouraged. Paul wrote, “Your love has given me great joy
and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s
people.” Philemon’s reputation of refreshing “the hearts of the Lord’s people” was
worthy of note and would be important to Paul’s appeal to release Onesimus.

Paul’s warm expressions towards Philemon and the Colossian Christians

resembled a familial love. The Bible supports using the metaphor of a family to describe
the relationship between those who are in Christ. In fact, believers are referred to a
brothers and sisters. Ephesians 2: 19-22 describes the contrast in relationships between
those who are in Christ and those who are not.

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 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with
God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the
Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which
God lives by his Spirit.
(Ephesians 2: 19-22)

`Paul described the condition of those in Christ as no longer foreigners and

strangers but fellow citizens with God’s people. Foreigners and strangers were those
outside of the community of faith. In contrast, those who are in Christ are fellow citizens
with God’s people. In other words, we are part of the covenant community or family.
Paul goes on to describe us are part of the building that is God’s holy temple.

Paul’s distinction could be controversial today since a popular notion has

infiltrated the church stating that everyone is a child of God whether they want to be or
not. All religions and versions of spirituality are valid paths to the same end – God.
Incongruent views of God are not a problem because God is beyond knowing. Paul and
the other New Testament writers would disagree with this heresy. However, in doing so
the question must remain open to question the implications for eternity.

Paul was correct to describe the Colossian Christians and Philemon as part of the
same family with himself. Paul reminded Philemon of his love and service to those who
are part of the family of God. This appeal to Philemon’s devotion to the family of God
was going to be important in requesting the release of Onesimus.

Contrary to the wishes of some, Paul never condemned slavery. Again, he could
order Christian owners to release slaves, but as with most orders imposed on people
there would be resistance. We need to be clear-minded with this issue. Paul was not a
crusader for social justice simply for the cause of social justice. Paul’s actions were
motivated by his commitment to advancing the Gospel.

Paul’s Expectations:
Personal behavior and conduct should be consistent with sound doctrine

Paul’s theology rings clear in this letter. Personal behavior and conduct should
be consistent with sound doctrine. Back to the family of God metaphor, living
consistent with sound doctrine meant there are only two distinctions in humanity now –
in Christ or as Paul described, foreigners and strangers to God.

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 Within the body of Christ there should be no distinction between masters and
slaves. All were part of the same family. The implications were revolutionary because
Paul instructed Philemon that since Onesimus was now part of the family of God,
Philemon had to treat him as a brother. This was the requirement of consistency
between personal conduct and sound doctrine.

Do we make distinctions today within the local Body of Christ? In James 2,

favoritism was condemned in the church. Do we show deferential treatment for some
over others? The Bible is clear that in Christ, we are the same race of people.

2. APPEAL TO LOVE (1: 8-9)

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to
do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love…

The second appeal was an appeal to Philemon’s love for Christ and for Paul’s
ministry. The word “therefore” connects what Paul just wrote in praising Philemon’s
character with a request that appeals to Philemon’s character.

Paul was not timid in using his authority over others to seek the superior good of
advancing the Gospel. However, Paul understood that appeals were better than
commands in achieving goals. Paul acknowledged that he could order Philemon to
release Onesimus, but he preferred the decision be voluntary.

Paul goes on to clarify that he could “order you to do what you ought to do,” but
he wanted to “appeal” on the “basis of love.” A reasonable question would be what Paul
believed Philemon knew he “ought to do.”

Paul assumed that Philemon knew what he “ought to do.” What ought he to do?
Was this a call to end all slavery? No. We know from the body of Paul’s work that he
never called for the end of slavery.

Paul seems to indicate that he believed that on the basis of love, Philemon knew
he should release Onesimus from bondage. After all, Onesimus was now a brother and
not to be treated like a slave. This instruction became a standard in the churches and
changed the institution of slavery within the churches.

Releasing Onesimus was the right thing to do because Paul needed help.
Onesimus proved to be very helpful and Paul believed that the advance of the Gospel
was a superior cause to waiting on tables in Philemon’s home. Therefore, Paul appealed

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to Philemon “on the basis of love.” If Philemon loved Paul, then the release of Onesimus
was the thing he ought to do.

3. APPEAL TO NEED (1: 9-10)

9 …It
is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ
Jesus— 10 that
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was
in chains.

Paul’s next appeal was based on the physical limitations of his age and need for
help in the ministry. Paul described himself as “an old man and now also a prisoner of
Christ Jesus.” The description of being an old man gives us a glimpse into his life
indicating that he was not a young man when he had the greatest influence in his life.

Paul faced the limitations that came with age and those that resulted from both
the opportunities and opposition he encountered in the ministry. At that time, the
common practice was for the children to take care of their aging parents. Paul came to
view Onesimus as a “son in the ministry” and as an asset to the ministry.

Paul was at a place where he needed help. Therefore, Paul wrote “… I appeal to
you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” Paul appealed
to Philemon like an old man appealing for mercy for a foolish child and Paul does not
shy away from the opinion that what Onesimus did was foolish. It was a mistake and
result of poor judgment. With that being acknowledged, Paul appeals for mercy.

A second part of the appeal was for the release of Onesimus from servitude. Paul
was an old man and likely ailing at this point. Travel was not as easy as it was in the
past. Paul needed the help of someone he could trust. Keep in mind the appeal Paul
already made to Philemon’s character. Now, we have another appeal to character and to
the hope that Philemon will be responsive to Paul’s need.

4. THE ARGUMENT FOR USEFULNESS (1:11)

11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to
me.

Paul offered an interesting assessment of Onesimus. “Formerly he was useless

to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” We do not know all the
ways that Onesimus was useless. Perhaps he gave some indication to Paul.

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 Regardless of his useless state with Philemon, Onesimus was now useful for Paul
and his transformation into Christlikeness was the reason. The change in Onesimus
illustrates the transformation mentioned in Romans 8: 26-30.

26 In
the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we
ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless
groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the
Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers and sisters.30 And those he predestined, he also
called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Verse 26 opens with “in the same way,” The same way connects the thought that
follows with the previous thought. He previously wrote that nature was awaiting the
revelation of the children of God. He continues, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness.”
What are our weaknesses? As we read on, we find our weaknesses are those areas of our
lives that are inconsistent with the nature of Christ.

We read that the Spirt is praying for us. God answers the Spirit’s prayers. The
Spirit prays for us according to the will of God. Somewhat surprisingly, Paul states “And
we know” indicating that we already know that God “works for the good of those who
love him, who have called according to his purpose.”

The next thought was that this process occurs because God predestined those He
foreknew to be “conformed to the image of his Son…” Why? “… that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” This is the end result of the process
detailed in the next sentence of moving from being predestined to being glorified.

Onesimus was a new man. He was a useful man. He would likely be more useful
now for Philemon, but Paul saw his investment in Onesimus as another reason why he
should help Paul.

5. THE ARGUMENT FOR CONSCIENCE (1: 12-14)

12 I
am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep
him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for
the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any
favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

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 “I’m sending him – who is my heart” describes the close affinity Paul felt for his
“son in the ministry” Onesimus. Paul continued, “I would have liked to keep him with
me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.”
Paul wanted Onesimus to remain with him and recommended that Philemon consider
Onesimus as his substitute in the ministry.

If this was so painful for Paul, why do it? Paul continued, 14 But I did not want to
do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but
would be voluntary.” Paul sent Onesimus back to for conscience sake. He wanted
Onesimus released from servitude, but he wanted the release to be voluntary.

Paul was committed to maintaining a clear conscience (Acts 24:26). Remember,

Onesimus was a runaway slave and a thief. He had unfinished business with Philemon.
If Paul ignored that Onesimus had unfinished business with Philemon and did not
require that he resolve the issue, Paul would damage his own conscience.

Paul was concerned for Onesimus’ conscience. Onesimus probably experienced

considerable angst at the thought of returning to Philemon. Philemon could respond in
several ways to Onesimus including execution. Was maintaining a clear conscience that
important?

Paul thought so. Paul recognized that Onesimus would become a spiritual leader.
Again, go from slave to spiritual leader. Unfinished business had a way of impeding
ministerial success because the guilt lurked in the background. Onesimus would not be
able to work in the area around Colossae. If the unfinished business became public
knowledge, Onesimus’ ministry could be over.

Do not overlook the importance of maintaining a clear conscience. Paul

expressed his personal commitment to maintaining a clear conscience in Acts 24:26.
Paul warned that ignoring the conscience would result in searing the conscience (1
Timothy 4: 1-2), and the final stage was spiritual shipwreck (1 Timothy 1: 18-20).

The word conscience (syneídēsis) means “jointly knowing” or “joining moral

and spiritual consciousness.” Everyone has a conscience but not everyone pays
attention to the conscience. The conscience ignored becomes the conscience seared (1
Timothy 4: 1-2). The seared conscience ceases to work. Often the conscience is not
entirely seared but seared concerning certain moral issues.

The remedy for a damaged conscience is to repent and return. Repent or

Repentance involves the recognition and ownership of some wrong or immoral
behavior. The words mean to change direction, so action is a natural part of repentance.

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Repentance involves creating a clear heart and purification (Psalm 51:10) and then
returning to God’s ways (Proverbs 3: 5-6). The promise is that if we do this, God will
forgive us (1 John 1:9).

With unfinished business, we will likely have to work at restoring trust. Trust
takes moments to lose and possibly years to rebuild. Guilt may try to linger. The good
news is that even if we still feel guilty after we repent, God is greater than our heart (1
John 3:20).

Philemon needed a clear conscience as well. Paul’s description of the change in

Onesimus and his value to the ministry presented a dilemma for Philemon because he
supported Paul’s ministry. Refusing to release Onesimus would call his commitment to
Paul into question and raise the issue of dishonesty on his part.

Paul raised another possible issue involving conscience. Paul wrote, “13 I would
have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I
am in chains for the gospel.” Paul recognized that Philemon truly loved and supported
his ministry. He proposed that Onesimus be Philemon’s substitute in helping Paul. The
theme of substitution of course illustrates what Christ did for us on the cross.

6. ARGUMENT FOR DIVINE PROVIDENCE (1: 15-16)

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might
have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear
brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a
brother in the Lord.

Divine providence is God’s sovereignty or authority over creation and his

governance over creation to the point He can “see or provide beforehand.” Paul
speculated that, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was
that you might have him back forever.” In other words, maybe God used Onesimus’
running away as part of a greater plan to bring him to Christ.

We find an appeal to God’s providence in other places in the Bible. For instance,
God providentially provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice after Abraham proved his
faithfulness to God to the point of sacrificing his son (Genesis 22:13). Paul alludes to
God’s providence in the coming of Christ (Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:10).

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 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born
under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to
sonship.
(Galatians 4: 4-5)

We see divine providence in the stories of many biblical characters. Divine

providence had a homeland waiting for Abraham. Divine providence guided Joseph
through his rise in Egypt. Divine providence made a way for Moses to survive when
other infant boys were dying. We can go forward through the remainder of the Old
Testament and into the New Testament.

The point is that God works through the circumstances in our lives to accomplish
His purposes. Just as God used what was a poor decision on Onesimus’ part to
accomplish a great good, God can do the same for us. If fact, we are told that he will do
the same for us.

In their heart’s humans plan their course,

but the LORD establishes their steps.
(Proverbs 16:9)

God directs our steps even when our steps are the product of foolish or immoral
decisions. Only God can take something bad and make something good. This is what
happened with Onesimus.

Paul’s instruction in verse 16 revealed Paul’s position on slavery among

Christians. Paul wrote, “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear
brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a
brother in the Lord.” The change of conduct would change slavery in the church.

7. THE PLEDGE TO PAY (1: 17-21)

17 So
if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has
done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this
with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

Paul hoped that Philemon would forgive Onesimus’ debt, but if not, Paul pledged
to pay the debt. Forgiveness is a central theme in Christianity. Our sins are forgiveness
through faith in Christ alone, but forgiveness requires that someone pay the price for
what was done or a debt.

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 We need to remember that asking others to forgive often means that they incur a
loss. We do not know the extent of the debt, but Paul seems to indicate that he knew the
amount of the debt. Paul wrote, “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything,
charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back.”

What a blessing to have someone like Paul in the life of Onesimus. The situation
would likely have turned out differently This point illustrates an important principle
about the value of having someone in your life to help in the hour of need. Paul’s
willingness to pay the debt gave Philemon no reason to reject Paul’s plea.

Paul added that Onesimus was not the only one owing a debt. Paul wrote, “you
owe me your very self.” Philemon owed Paul a debt because Paul was responsible for
training Philemon and the congregation in his home in sound doctrine.

WHY WAS FORGIVENESS A BIG DEAL?

Over all, Paul’s appeal on behalf of Onesimus was a request that Philemon forgive
Onesimus. Paul’s request should not be taken lightly. Paul asked Philemon to sacrifice
his rights to punish Onesimus and to incur a loss of the investment made in Onesimus.
But if Philemon was all that Paul believed he had become in terms of character then
forgiveness would be the appropriate thing he ought to do (v. 8).

How important is forgiveness? The Bible has much to say about forgiveness. The
following verses address forgiveness:

• Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
• Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every
form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,
just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4: 31-32)
• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
• For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will
not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6: 14-15)
• And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them,
so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

One of the most pronounced stories involving forgiveness in the Bible is found in
Matthew 18: 23-35.

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23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with
his servants. 24 As
he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of
gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he
and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and
I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt
and let him go.

28 “Butwhen that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him
a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you
owe me!’ he demanded.

29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will
pay it back.’

30 “Buthe refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he
could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were
outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all
that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your
fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the
jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your
brother or sister from your heart.”

The point of the story reveals a salient point for all of us. The man owing much
was given much mercy and forgiveness, but the same man refused to extend mercy to
someone owing him little. The result of his refusal to forgive was a series of negative
consequences.

1. Responsibility for his debt returned.

2. The unmerciful man was placed in debtors’ prison.

How often do we find the same? We refuse to forgive, and we find old offenses
seem to return. Relationships seem to break down. We find ourselves imprisoned in
emotional prisons. Ironically, human nature wants to believe that we are imprisoning
others, but this is not what happens. We pay the price, but they often never experience
anything.

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 We should be clear at this point concerning what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness
is not condoning the behavior of others. Forgiveness does not require reconciliation
especially when the other person demonstrates no repentance. Forgiveness is not
absolving from guilt, so consequences may come even if the person is genuinely
repentant.

What is involved in true requests for forgiveness. A biblical perspective on

forgiveness emphasizes repentance. The field of psychology has identified five
components are ingredients in requests for forgiveness. The 5 components or
ingredients include:

1. Take the other person’s perspective

2. Give a clear "I'm sorry" type statement.
3. Explain yourself, but not too much, and don't make it an excuse.
4. Show you understand the impact of your actions.
5. Request forgiveness and express your intention to change.3

THE CLOSING
(1: 20-21)

20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my
heart in Christ.21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do
even more than I ask.

Paul closed his letter with a statement of confidence that he knew Philemon
would do the right thing (1: 20-21). Paul likened his request to seeking Philemon to
“refresh my heart in Christ.” Paul continued that he was “confident of your
[Philemon’s] obedience.” Paul closed with the confidence that Philemon would “do even
more” than asked.

MEANING

Philemon is a personal letter that carries the doctrinal weight of a larger book.
The letter was very practical in nature and illustrated the extent to which being in Christ
changed cultural norms. Paul does not take a stand against slavery, but he changed how
the church treated slavery among Christian owners. For those slaves who were in Christ,
the old distinction of slave and master was no more. They should treat each other like
family.

3
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/adaptation/201805/the-five-key-ingredients-effective-apology#_=_

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 Each of Paul’s appeals touches on a doctrinal truth. Beyond the doctrinal truths,
we find practical application. God is concerned about every aspect of life even areas we
might consider to be trivial. God has given use the local Body of Christ to help with what
we need even if what we need is help resolving unfinished business.

Ultimately, God wants to use all of us, but we must do it his way. Are we being
trained in sound doctrine? How are we doing in character formation? Lastly, how are we
doing in keeping a clear conscience?

What happened? We do not know for certain. We know the name Onesimus
appears in later church documents including being named as pastor of Ephesus. We
assume based upon early church writings that Philemon complied. He went from slave
to spiritual leader.

God wants to use you as much as you want to be used in an effective way to
spread His kingdom.

In wrapping up Philemon, we can have confidence that God wants to use us in

some meaningful way as much as we want to be used. The challenge is to do God’s way.
Philemon reminds us that even small issues matter, but God is faithful to help us do the
right thing. The good news is we likely have a Paul nearby to help.

Questions for reflection

1. Was Paul correct in his decision to appeal to Philemon for the release of Onesimus
rather than order his release?

2. What are your thoughts on Paul’s description of humanity as either in Christ or

foreigners and strangers to God?

3. Do you think Philemon knew what he ought to do? What do you think Paul had in
mind that Philemon ought to do?

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4. Paul requests that Philemon incur the loss and to send Onesimus back to him. Was
this selfishness on Paul’s part?

5. Do you think that appealing to someone’s love is more powerful that ordering them?

6. Paul did not condemned slavery and yet, his instruction for Christian owners and
slaves basically began the demise of slavery within the churches. Do you agree with his
approach to attack slavery from a positive rather than a negative position?

7. Paul stressed the need for training in sound doctrine, character formation, and
maintaining a clear conscience. How are you doing in these three areas of concern?

8. Forgiveness is a prominent part of this story. What do you understand about the
nature of true forgiveness?

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9. How do you see God working in your life right now in fostering your transformation
into the likeness of Christ?

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