THE INTERCESSOR. In almost every society and culture in the world, people are divided in various ways: rich and poor, old and young, male and female, Jew and Gentile. Furthermore, individuals are expected to remain in the place and position that the barriers of society have established. However, amidst all these divided groups, something new has emerged—Christianity as it is intended to be.
Paul wrote to the Colossian assembly a clear statement regarding the result of the Gospel message when one becomes a new person in Christ. "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all in all." Now, every believer in Christ is part of the family of God, regardless of their station in the world.
This reality is best understood by reading Paul's personal letter to Philemon. The order of this beautiful personal letter is: Greetings, 1-3; Character commendation, 4-7; Intercession, 8-21; Conclusion, 22-25. The message of this letter illustrates the practice of Christian forgiveness being enforced and demonstrated. The importance of this personal letter goes beyond individual interests because the church is included in the greeting. The attitudes of key people, Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus, give us some principles and protocol for removing social barriers between believers.
Paul was a religious Jew who was saved when he met the Lord Jesus on the Damascus Road. This letter reveals his character as consistent, courteous, compassionate, caring, concerned, and confident. He exemplified tact and wisdom that promoted sensitivity as he briefly mentions his situation, “prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Paul was such a gentleman—thoughtful, gracious, and humble, yet authoritative when he wrote to Philemon. He encouraged forgiveness by acknowledging Philemon's character traits.
He clearly defined the problem by providing the background. By appealing instead of commanding, he understood he would achieve the desired results. A personal connection, “my son,” deepened his interest and commitment to repay another’s debt. He did not try to hide the guilt of Onesimus, but by skillfully using words, he highlighted a positive outcome. By looking ahead to what could result, he awakened Philemon's conscience.
In this small letter, he implied an illustration of social reform by referring to Onesimus as a brother, not a slave; persuasion, not compulsion; gentleness, not force. He taught the believers that in the church, there is equality, even though in society, we are “to remain in the calling wherewith we were called.” The words and wording of the epistle are a good analogy of redemption. God’s grace reconciles guilty sinners and gives them the privilege of appealing to God because they are now in Christ. A new child of God is received because another paid for his debt.
Philemon was a wealthy Greek who had been saved out of Gentile philosophy. He must have come into contact with Paul in Ephesus or some other place, because Paul had not been to Colossae, where Philemon lived. He was likely saved when Paul led him to the Lord in the place where he was preaching, and then Philemon returned to Colossae, where the gathering place of the assembly was his home. The name Philemon means "affection," indicating he had an interest in others and what was happening in their lives.
Onesimus was a slave of unknown origin who became a lawbreaker when he ran away from Philemon and apparently took something of Philemon’s. God arranged for him to meet Paul in Rome. By God’s grace, barriers were broken down, and these divergent personalities were now in God's family.
We learn from them in this book how to adapt to radical change and still accommodate to the oneness of assembly life. Harmony and fellowship are possible in the gathering of believers, even though there are social barriers in our homes and at work. In Christ, God's people are family, "one in the Lord," and the walls of gender, social and economic position, race, and culture are broken down. God's grace transcends all barriers, and we must recognize that Christian relationships lead us to full acceptance and respect for one another. This was a new human concept in New Testament times, but this fact is best described in this small epistle. Actually, this is even more personal than the letters to Timothy and Titus, which had more to do with servants in the assembly and public service. This epistle brings important truths right into home life. Our homes are where the reality of our Christian profession is best seen. The husband-wife relationship, the parent-child relationships, and those of employer and employee are displayed hour after hour, day after day, continually throughout our lifetime. There is no way to fake our faith or lack of it when we are under constant observation. Our oneness in Christ removes the barriers that separate us from others and places us as sons and daughters of God in His family.
Philemon must have been a man of means to have a house large enough for the assembly in Colossae to meet there for their functions. He was also a slave owner, so whatever business he ran was larger than what he, his wife Apphia, and their family could handle alone. Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, must have taken something that belonged to his master [v.18] when he ran away. By the grace of God, Onesimus met Paul in Rome and was saved.
What does a new believer in Christ owe regarding his past life? There are certain aspects of our past that we cannot change due to a sinful lifestyle. However, when restitution is possible, it is only right that it be pursued. In this way, the reality of Christian testimony is established. This personal letter to Philemon, carried by Onesimus, and the letter to the Colossians delivered by Tychicus, both from Paul, likely arrived around the same time. I can imagine that when these two men showed up at Philemon's house, a real conflict of emotions arose. A runaway slave who could legally be put to death and an emissary of the great apostle Paul standing before Philemon would have been startling, to say the least. What should I do? Put Onesimus in chains? But those two men had traveled together. I expect Philemon read the letter Onesimus carried first, and as he reached out to take the letter, Onesimus stood with his head down in a humble posture. Everyone would quietly wait as the letter was read and its contents digested. CONNECTION: Prisoner, Brother, Fellow-laborer. v.1 The letter itself is a remarkable example of tact and grace, serving as a testament to the power of Christian fellowship when Christ lives in the hearts and lives of His people. A messenger of God who received a direct commission from our Lord Jesus Christ, a man of means and high social standing, and a converted slave with nothing but a letter to deliver were all brought together because each had placed personal faith in Christ.
We often look around us and marvel at those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We enjoy life and fellowship together and are amazed at all we share in common with those from diverse backgrounds because we know we are "one in Christ." The joy we experience due to the grace of God serves as a testimony to angels, a defeat for the powers of darkness, and a conundrum for those who do not know our Savior. The Holy Spirit within a believer provides the necessary courage and power for effective witnessing. He emboldens those who are available to God to be used in His service, to say and do what is necessary to further the work of the Gospel wherever we are found. When we are filled with the Spirit, we can act like the early believers who spoke the word of God with boldness and power.
Prisoner. Paul was a prisoner of Jesus Christ, not of Rome. Love for Christ and imitation of Jesus draw opposition from those who reject the Gospel message. Suffering and persecution are to be expected when a believer leads a godly life. Not all opposition is openly shown. Christians can suffer in many ways. It may come from self-righteous individuals or from those whose guilt condemns them because Christians remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His word, regardless of what happens to them. Opposition and persecution were common in the early days of the church. The Gospel continued to be preached, spreading relentlessly and remaining unstoppable. Tragedy, imprisonment, and death – nothing the Jewish and government leaders did even slowed down the work of God. The early church faced significant challenges. However, any attempts to hinder what God initiates and intends to continue will ultimately fail. Earthly leaders, no matter how powerful they believe themselves to be, or how popular they are among the people, cannot touch one who serves the sovereign Lord unless He allows it for His own purposes. When prison doors on earth are closed and barred, that makes no difference whatsoever to the door of the throne of grace. The way into the throne room of the King of kings is open to us who recognize that we have access there because of the “blood of Christ.” We have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way He has consecrated for us.” It is possible for us to limit our perception of answered prayer to those preconceived results we have in our own minds. God answers our prayers in ways that bring the greatest blessing in the long run to us and also bring the greatest glory to God. When children of God are confident that they are living and working in the way and place God intends, the rest of good conscience is real, and we can be content with whatever happens. All the actions and intentions of men are limited to practically nothing compared to the acts and will of God. “As for God, His way is perfect,” and God’s salvation is perfect. When a person is saved, there is a sense of the Spirit of God working to awaken a sinner, calling them to act and turn in repentance to change direction. There is then the offer of freedom in Christ. To follow the One who “sets at liberty the captive” is to be expected, and readiness to serve is anticipated. Our life and prosperity may be assured, or they may be taken away by God’s sovereign choice. Whatever happens may catch us off guard, even though we have prayed confidently. Our faith will be amazed at the power of God in deliverance from tragedy or be tested as to our ability to endure the tragedy and experience triumph at the end. When we are personally conscious that “Salvation is of the Lord,” the wise person of faith doesn’t argue or object. When we trust and obey, deliverance comes even to some “prison” one may be in. A message from God to one’s soul is like a “heavenly vision” to be acted upon without delay or equivocation. We know God hears and answers prayer. We may not know or particularly like the answer at one time, and be thrilled by the answer at another. Sometimes, it is beyond our comprehension how or why the result of answered prayer leaves us dumbfounded. We are amazed at the grace and mercy of God. Brother, beloved. When someone is first saved, it seems almost too easy or too profound to grasp God’s work of grace for us. However, when we are assured by the word of God that we have been delivered, we start from there and move forward in faith. It is natural for a believer who loves the Lord and His people to seek to be where Christians gather and, when they come together, to be present with them. Sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness is a way to encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ. The story of salvation is often a key part of a person’s life and testimony. Some may find it hard to believe in or accept miracles, unusual acts of deliverance, or blessings that we testify about. That’s okay; it is up to them to accept or reject what we know to be miracles. Simply confessing that these things have actually happened in our lives is a way in which we are blessed by remembering “the hole of the pit from which we have been dug, and the rock from when we have been hewn." The spiritual light in those who are prisoners of Jesus Christ and have been made “the light of the world” leads to spiritual victory. God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people so that good things can occur for bad people. When a child of God understands the value of simple trusting faith in God, all the events and unfounded challenges against the Lord and His word will have no real or lasting impact on the outcome of a matter. Our responsibility is to ensure we allow nothing to hinder our fellowship with our Lord. Our sovereign Lord takes control of situations to bring about His desired end. Christian brothers share our attitudes and take similar actions. It is fundamental to Christian testimony that we live by the standard of love for God and those around us. Greatness in the kingdom of God comes from serving, not from being served. When believers show their love for Him and do what they can, motivated by love for their Savior, He gladly accepts their offerings. People of faith believe in Him and obey Him. In that way, He identifies them as being part of His family. Timothy was a "true child" in the faith. He received a good report as a faithful man from the elders of the Lystra and Iconium assemblies. He was an excellent choice to accompany Paul, who needed a young man with him. Paul required someone who could connect with both Jews and Gentiles, and Timothy was able to do that. He had solid Jewish training in the scripture from his mother and grandmother. Additionally, he was willing to undergo the rite of circumcision to avoid potential problems in the outreach of the Gospel. There are some indications that Timothy may have been sensitive and timid, but Timothy had potential that Paul could see. Together, they achieved victories in the Gospel that brought great joy, despite the serious opposition they faced. Genuine Christian fellowship and love were shared as they pressed forward in the work of the Lord. Timothy was faithful to the Lord and concerned for the Lord's people. He was fully committed to the work of the Lord and the Lord's people. Like the apostle Paul, Timothy had a servant's heart [Acts 19:22]. He was willing and eager to serve the people. Timothy made himself available to assist Paul in whatever way he could. A brother in Christ consistently demonstrates integrity. He has no hidden motives behind his concern for the well-being and growth of others. Having experienced and appreciated unmerited grace from God, he embodies that grace in his actions. He is a man of his word, never saying one thing while meaning another. He is reliable enough to uphold his commitments (2 Cor.1:12-17). The resurrection life of Christ is a reality for him as the Lord reaches out to others through him. Fellow laborer. God knows who we are and what we are capable of. When the Spirit of God leads us to a place and a work, we are responsible for following through because He has empowered us. It is wrong for older individuals to leave young men high and dry without support. God's power transformed a persecutor into a preacher. He can make us sensitive to His leading and use us to fulfill His will and ways. There was genuine Christian love between these men. Paul was committed not only to the Lord and the Gospel but also to his fellow workers. He was dedicated to Timothy, supporting, encouraging, and instructing him on how to fulfill the work at hand. There is a vast difference between a decision to do something and a commitment to a person. When all definitions are combined, commitment means yielding something to someone. It involves trusting and placing something at another's disposal without hesitation; a task as significant as teaching an assembly is no trivial matter. Apathy and complacency have no place in the work of the Lord. Our good intentions alone are not enough; they must be translated into actions to accomplish the work. When we have a solid relationship with someone younger, we must offer good counsel and careful guidance. Our support may not seem necessary at first, but we soon realize they need our help, whether they acknowledge it or not. Any laborer in the field will appreciate the prayers of an older brother who asks God for grace, mercy, and peace on their behalf. When one truly cares for others, he feels a sense of responsibility to lend assistance and help. He earnestly pleads in prayer for God's power and grace for his brother and writes a letter to encourage, guide, and provide direction. Fellow laborers share special ties with like-minded individuals. Certain aspects of their lives seem similar because they come from the same community or share the same occupation. This connection, along with shared interests and a heightened sensitivity to the events around us, creates personal concern. When something significant arises, we tend to reach out to them because of our commonalities. However, regarding the kingdom of God, there is no distinction; every believer has been delivered from an eternal death sentence.
In the kingdom of God, a whole new life unfolds before us, one that has a greater impact on life than any natural connection we occasionally share with someone from our past. A "Maranatha," or "Thank the Lord," is much different from a "How are you" when we greet another person. There are some very special individuals who genuinely care for those in their lives who need help. They deeply concern themselves with meeting the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. The bond they share is both natural and physical as caring individuals, but their focus also extends to the growth of others in spiritual matters.
A believer who observes the needs of others and actively seeks to address them exemplifies the Master, who has sent them into His work to labor for Him. They have learned to view the people they serve through the eyes of the Lord. They offer practical assistance and work diligently to explain the Word of God while also addressing the physical needs of others. They understand what is necessary and take it upon themselves to fulfill those needs without complaining when others do not seem to recognize what they consider urgent. Thus, they take the time to pray fervently that those needs may be met.
Such a laborer understands that the Lord's people have a special need for God to strengthen them in Christ, regardless of what the world values and what others might say. This laborer persists in fervently praying as an intercessor, asking God to protect the saints from evil and from the subtle traps set by the world, flesh, and devil. Enemies aim to lead the people of God away from the path of obedience, pressuring them to make poor choices and become the devil's prey.
How do these divergent personalities come together in unity? Only through divine intervention in the lives of each individual. A Jewish scholar, a Greek businessman, and a slave are all united in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is on this note that Paul begins this personal letter. He is a prisoner, it is true, but his only designation is that he is "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Only in this epistle does he reference the highest possible authority, beyond that of an apostle to Christ Jesus (which is a more appropriate order in most Bible versions). He is a prisoner of Christ Jesus, bearing the authority, dignity, and reverence associated with that name. Because of that relationship, he is in prison and is not making complaints. As a spiritual father to both Philemon and Onesimus, he appeals to his spiritual son in the faith, Philemon, on behalf of his spiritual son in the faith, Onesimus. This kind of intercession would be very hard to resist; a man would have to be quite hard-hearted to ignore such an appeal. The first line of his letter would evoke sympathy in Philemon and also awaken his conscience regarding Paul's request. Additionally, he includes Timothy as a second witness to what he has to say. Timothy would also be known to Philemon and now to Onesimus. His interest in Philemon's response would align with Paul's. Neither Paul nor Timothy were begging for sympathy regarding their request. Instead, the prisoner is linked with the glory of heaven, where the Supreme Intercessor sits at "the right hand of the majesty on high." With a tactful approach due to their fellowship, Paul addresses Philemon as "dearly beloved." This is not flattery; rather, it reflects the attitude of any servant of God toward someone they helped bring to Jesus. This expresses sincere love for an affectionate brother of noble character and practical hospitality. Their cause was the same, as they were fellow laborers, even though they were engaged in different tasks in different places. These traits are beyond reproach when we observe them in our brothers and sisters. An encouraging word to another person like this is always appropriate. The cause of Christ impacts all of us who love the Lord and His people. We value everything we hear when we witness the work in which our fellow laborers are engaged. This is one of the values of this letter to us as it reveals Paul's character as a courteous, lovable, humble, holy, and unselfish man. His tact and wisdom serve as examples for us when he mentions being a prisoner and acknowledges Philemon's excellence while delaying to mention Onesimus, allowing him to pave the way for his request.