THE DESIRE. v.13 “I would have retained him.” There are new principles we live by as believers, and one of the most significant ones is "the bonds of the Gospel." This service offers lasting, eternal benefits that are far more satisfying and freeing than independence. Paul would have liked to keep Onesimus with him as an assistant in his work, but he was not at liberty to do so because of Roman law. Being forced to act kindly or perform acts of kindness is not morally right, as it is neither genuine nor true liberty. Kindness that is not freely and willingly given is not beautiful.
The Gospel method of social reform, such as ending slavery, was not a project in which Paul was engaged. The Gospel's influence aims to achieve its goals through persuasion rather than compulsion, by godliness rather than dynamite. Recognizing the hand of God at work in a matter is a blessing for all involved. Even in difficult circumstances, God is operating in divine sovereignty.
His imprisonment confined Paul, and he would have been very thankful to have a “useful” man like Onesimus to help him. One who had been a slave would know what was needed and how he could contribute to making Paul’s life as comfortable as possible. Serving one of the Lord’s chosen apostles would have been a great privilege.
Next to the direct service of God is our duty to His children [1Jn. 5:1; 3::23; Jn.15:17; 2Pe. 1:7; 1Jn. 3:14]. We are to show love to our brethren. We are in the same struggle as our suffering brothers and sisters. Love expressed in words and deeds is evidence of being brethren and of a living faith. For some, hospitality can feel like an imposition they are not willing to accept. A stranger’s garments may conceal an unlikely person. Abraham, Lot, Gideon, and Manoah all entertained angels. Kindness shown to others is never a wasted effort.
The character of the Lord and the message of the Gospel are often judged by the one delivering the message. Jews were instructed not to treat strangers harshly because they were once strangers themselves. Our aim should be to reflect the love of the Lord by demonstrating His love to others through our actions. For strangers, we should show benevolence and pity; for brethren, we should express kinship and appreciation. Hospitality simply means making others feel comfortable and at home with you. Those to whom we can show hospitality include visitors to your assembly, singles who are lonely, and the needs of visiting missionaries.
Love reveals itself through sympathy for the suffering members of God's family. Concern and care for those who are mistreated for the Lord's sake serve as evidence of our faith being shown through actions of love. The Lord said true followers would visit those in prison [Mat.25:36]. Some have been called to take the Gospel to unbelievers in prison, and by His grace, God has saved some in that situation. When we suffer with sympathy, we become partakers of those who suffer unjustly [10:33]. The Church united in prayer for Peter, sharing in his burdens. Paul longed to experience the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. We are not always able to support a sufferer emotionally or physically, but the throne of grace is always open to us. The Father knows no limits.
How great is the impact of knowing that God the Holy Spirit prays for us when we pray! With a holy urgency expressed beyond the words humans use, the Holy Spirit knows the will of God at all times and prays “according to the will of God.” What a relief that is! He helps us in our infirmities; He helps us in the word of God; He helps us when our hearts condemn us; He helps us when we have burdens to bear. He often uses available and “useful” Christians to meet our needs. Those who can help others are those who have experienced God’s grace themselves and understand His saving power in their own lives because of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Those who have been saved from sin and desire to live for God possess a liberating message of hope, victory, and holiness to share with others in need of help. When God reveals His will to us, we must not follow our own path or do our own thing, but rather follow where He leads us. “Ministered unto me.” Our responsibility in the work of God is to be available and ready to do whatever is God's will. Paul was known as an apostle, and Onesimus is now a brother in Christ and like a son to Paul. Whatever role God gives us, we can be content in it without seeking to take a place of our own choosing. Effectiveness in a believer’s life calls for spiritual awareness in all things because it reflects on the Lord Jesus. Consecration to the service of God requires moral holiness and a willing heart.
Gifts are supernatural abilities bestowed upon us by God to be used effectively for the purposes God intended. They are meant to bless others and support the proper functioning of the body of Christ. God has provided us with what we need to accomplish all that He desires. The strength and will to carry out His plans are always available to us. His strength is essential when challenges arise. When we are diligent in our work, we utilize what He has entrusted to us.
We need to know God and discern His will in light of the tasks He has given us. If that task is the furtherance of the Gospel, we must understand what to give up and what to take on, what to claim, and what to pay. Confidence in God and the work to which He has called us during times of difficulty, along with the grace and peace needed to navigate them in faith, come from our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. We may not be released from the tensions and trials that accompany work for God, but we will find what we need when we remember what He means to us. He blessed us in the past [Eph.1:3]; He is our Living Hope regarding the future [1Pet.1:3]; and He comforts us in the present [2Cor.1:3].
Giving to God and His people is truly one and the same. We serve God by serving His people. A spiritual response to a known need should not be one of grudging reluctance but a joyful privilege. “Faithful men” are trustworthy disciples who are eager to meet the needs of others.
“Bonds of the Gospel.” Suffering and affliction accompany Gospel preaching because we are making inroads into areas where sin abounds and lives are not as God intends. In such circumstances, one can trust that God is dependable and will use any situation in life to fulfill His will through His chosen servants perfectly. Knowing God is enough during any time of suffering and service to which we are called. What we do for Him is kept safe in light of the times when all our actions receive a "just recompense."
Paul was sure that God would sustain him in prison. Although he faced imminent death, his confidence rested in God, not in his faith. Despite all he endured in prison shortly before his death, Paul maintained his confidence in God, knowing that "God is able." God had guarded him and would preserve all he had invested his time, resources, and life in for the Lord. Even in difficult circumstances, the apostle Paul used his time and gifts to bless and mentor others like Onesimus, who was a support to him.
The value of difficulties is not always recognized at first. It is beneficial when a burden is placed on a young man, as it fosters strength of character. While enduring difficulties is not pleasant, they prepare us for greater and more fulfilling service to the Lord. Burdens strengthen integrity, promote maturity, and open doors that were previously closed. The best things in life are not easy. The costs are high, but it is reassuring for us to remember, like Joseph, “The Lord was with Joseph.”
Our duty in difficulties is to maintain our composure, integrity, and commitment to God and to others. Living with grace instead of complaining, possessing a cheerful spirit instead of engaging in disheartening grumbling, and expressing thankfulness for small mercies instead of feeling dissatisfied with circumstances can serve as powerful testimony to our faith in God.
Assurance in difficulties can be sustained when we are aware of God's presence with us. There may be moments when we briefly wonder if God has forgotten or forsaken us. Then, in some way, He speaks peace to our souls, and the light of life shines again within us as we wait for Him to fulfill His own purposes. Disappointments can sometimes be blessings in disguise. Though evil and sin may seem to have won victories, we must remember they are only temporary. Truth and righteousness will prevail. “In vain do earth and hell oppose, for God is stronger than His foes.”
Our Lord intends for us to remain faithful to Him and to our calling in life. It is our responsibility to do what He desires, wait patiently for Him to make any changes necessary, and then move forward with humility, faith, and effective action, knowing that God justifies our faith in Him. He will be glorified by His grace working through His servants in whatever challenging times they encounter.
Paul wasn’t bitter because his service confined him to living as a prisoner. In his mind, he was a prisoner to God’s will and was content with that, regardless of his location or circumstances. God had graciously chosen Gentiles to be part of His people, and Paul was in prison because that mystery was the foundation of his ministry to them. He obeyed the Lord despite facing opposition. There is still resistance to teaching salvation by grace alone. We need to stand firm in defense of the grace of God in the Gospel.
There are chains forged by men that are bonds because of sin that contrast to bonds in Christ of an available servant of God. There are ways we can manifest Him and demonstrate His grace that are not done in formal situations or planned meetings. Christ is reflected in God’s grace in His people, in which bonds are forged by love for Christ and lost souls. The results of these encounters may be far more lasting and real than if a person were sitting in a Gospel meeting hearing a message from a preacher.
How can observers see these bonds? When we face difficulties beyond our control, do we respond like our Lord Jesus Christ? People marveled at Him and believed in Him when they heard His words spoken with grace and applied them with openness and honesty. Even children were drawn to Jesus when they looked at His face and could sense His interest and compassion for them.
People with problems experienced the blessings He shared through His words, actions, and His attitude of grace and love. People today need to see the “bonds of the Gospel” when they observe those called “Christians” and listen to what they say. There is no hiding genuine faith that is evident in the daily trials and efforts necessary to live in this world. People notice when the bonds of Christ are visibly lived out daily by ordinary individuals leading ordinary lives with contentment, compassion, dignity, and grace.
The ripple effect continues from one person to another, and truth is shared when someone speaks of what they know and have experienced regarding God’s grace. God’s name and His truth are conveyed with respect, righteous living, and a strong testimony of God’s saving grace, resulting in many others being blessed due to the positive influence of one person’s commitment to living for God.
Paul understood that the reason for his imprisonment was to advance the Gospel. Ultimately, this was the result. The message of salvation reached those to whom he was chained and others in the palace, as well as to "all other places." What might have induced fear instead fostered boldness.