Scripture Study

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Paul’s letter to a member of the church known as Philemon is the shortest book in the Bible. It fits on just one page, right before Hebrews, and is a letter sent by Paul (and perhaps co-authored by Timothy) as an attempt to intercede on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. He too had become converted to the Gospel, but Paul knew there was something that still needed to be resolved. So he sent a letter — with Onesimus — back to Philemon in Colossae.

The letter is seen by most Bible commentators as a wonderful example of the importance of repentance and reconciliation, and the need for brotherhood in the gospel. This is all true. Living within the Roman Empire in the city of Colossae (modern Turkey), Philemon was very committed to the new gospel of Jesus Christ. It would only be expected that an apostle of Christ would communicate and send them further instructions from time to time in correct gospel living and principles.

Underneath the surface however, I believe Paul also attempted to subtly teach a much greater lesson that perhaps had been misunderstood or needed reinforcement . . . or perhaps Paul simply knew it would be misunderstood by many of us who would read his letter centuries later: the doctrine of redemption.

Looking Deeper

To see Paul’s message, allow me to walk you through this single page of scripture. I have put the verses I want to highlight in my own words to make the pattern more obvious.

After his opening greetings, Paul tells Philemon that he always mentions him in his (Paul’s) prayers. (vs 4) He also states that he hears of the love and faith which Philemon has towards Jesus and the saints. (vs 5) Who else do we always mention in prayer that shares these feelings?

Knowledge of Philemon’s love is a source of much joy and consolation to the leaders of the Church. (vs 7) As a side-note, the name Philemon means “loving” in Greek.

Paul says that the appeal he is about to make is based on love. (vs 9)

Paul then pleads to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, saying that he has become Paul’s son. (vs 10) This is an interesting statement. Paul has figuratively become the father of Onesimus. A father/child relationship connotes being born (or born again?) and a creator/created status. This begetting of Onesimus happened in the midst of Paul’s bondage.

Paul says that Onesimus was previously an unprofitable servant to Philemon, but is now profitable to them both. (vs11) “Onesimus” was a common slave name, and in Greek means “profitable”. It is not said by Paul how he knew that Onesimus was once unprofitable, nor how he was now made profitable to them both. Is Paul suggesting Onesimus was ready to return to indentured service, working much harder than before? Or is something else meant?

Paul says he is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, and it is akin to sending himself. (vs 12)

Paul will do nothing unless he knows the mind of Philemon on the matter. (vs 14) This deference seems rather peculiar, since Philemon is the church member and Paul is the Apostle.

He suggests that perhaps the offense of leaving Philemon’s presence for a season was for an underlying good intention: that Onesimus may be received by Philemon “for ever”. (vs 15) And not just to return and resume his status as a servant, but something “above a servant”. Onesimus had become a beloved brother to Paul, but Paul says Onesimus should be especially beloved by Philemon now. (vs 16)

If Philemon counts Paul as “a partner”, Philemon should receive Onesimus as if he were receiving Paul. (vs 17)

Regarding whatever wrongs Onesimus did to Philemon, Paul pleads that he “put that on my account.” (vs 18) Paul will pay his debts. He even states that with his own hand those last words were written, or in other words, his own hands is the evidence of this commitment. He strongly reaffirms to Philemon that, “I will repay it.” (vs 19)

Paul closes by saying that he is confident that Philemon will be agreeable to Paul’s intervening petition, because of Philemon’s dedication to the principle of obedience. (vs 21)

Paul asks Philemon to prepare a place for him to rest (vs 22).

Tying it Together

Did you see it? I believe Paul is making an appeal to Philemon by alluding to one of the most powerful truths a person can possess: a correct knowledge of the doctrine of redemption.

If you’re still not seeing it, just go back and replace Philemon’s name with “God the Father”. Then replace Paul’s name with “Jesus Christ”.

And then dear reader. . . replace Onesimus’ name with your own.