Philemon 1-3 THE INTERCESSOR In almost every society and culture in the world people are divided in some way: rich and poor, old and young, male and female, Jew and Gentile. Furthermore, people are expected to stay in the place and position the barriers of society have formed. However, into all these divided groups something new has come - Christianity as it is intended to be. Paul wrote to the Colossian assembly a clear statement as to 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, Sythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all in all." Now every believer in Christ is in the family of God no matter what is their station in the world. This reality is best understood by reading the personal letter of Paul to Philemon. The message of this letter for us is an illustration of the practice of Christian forgiveness enforced and illustrated.
Philemon 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 interest in others and what was happening in their lives. 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 need to 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-children relationships and those of employer and employee are on display hour after hour, day after day continually through 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 big enough for the assembly at Colossae to meet there for their assembly functions. He also was a slave owner so whatever business he had, it was larger than he, his wife Apphia, and his family could handle on their own. 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 in relation to his past life? There are some things we cannot do anything about that happened in the past because of a sinful lifestyle. However, when restitution is possible, it is only right that it be done. In this way the reality of Christian testimony is established. This personal letter to Philemon carried by Onesimus, and the letter to the Colossians in the assembly carried by Tychicus, both from Paul, would likely have come at the same time. I imagine when these two men showed up at Philemon's house, there was a real conflict of emotions. A runaway slave who could legally be put to death, and an emissary of the great apostle Paul standing in front of Philemon would have been startling to say the least. What should I do? Put Onesimus in chains? But those two men had been travelling companions. I expect Philemon read the letter Onesimus carried first and likely as he held out his hand to take the letter Onesimus stood with his head down in a humble attitude. All would be quietly waiting as the letter was read and the contents digested.
The letter itself is a remarkable example of tact and grace as a testimony to the power of Christian fellowship, when Christ is living 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 who had nothing but a letter to deliver, were all brought together because each had placed personal faith in Christ. We look around us often and marvel at those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We enjoy life and fellowship together and are amazed at all we have in common with those of divergent backgrounds, because we know we are "one in Christ." The joy that we have because of the grace of God is a testimony to angels, a defeat to the powers of darkness and a conundrum to those who do not know our Savior.
So how do these divergent personalities come together in unity? Only through divine intervention in the life of each one. A Jewish scholar, a Greek businessman and a slave are all united in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is on that note that Paul begins this personal letter. He is a prisoner it is true, but the only designation is he is "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Only in this epistle does he go to the highest possible authority, beyond that of an apostle to Christ Jesus (a more appropriate order in most Bible versions). He is a prisoner of Christ Jesus with the authority, dignity and reverence that is associated with that name. It is because of that relationship he is in prison and is not making complaints. As a spiritual father of both Philemon and Onesimus he is making an appeal to his spiritual son in the faith, Philemon, for his spiritual son in the faith, Onesimus. This kind of intercession would be very hard to resist. A man would have to be pretty hard-hearted to ignore such an appeal.
The first line of his letter would stir sympathy in Philemon and also stir his conscience regarding Paul's request. Even further is the fact that he includes Timothy as the second witness as to what he has to say. Timothy would also have been known to Philemon, and now also to Onesimus. His interest in Philemon's response would be the same as Paul's. Neither Paul not Timothy were groveling to gain sympathy for their request. Rather 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 because of their fellowship, Paul addresses Philemon as "dearly beloved." This is not some kind of flattery but is the attitude of any servant of God toward one who they were instrumental in bringing to Jesus. This is sincere love for an affectionate brother of noble character and practical hospitality. These characteristics are without reproach when we see them in our brothers and sisters. An encouraging word to another person like this is always in order. Their cause was the same because they were fellow- laborers even though they were doing different things in different places. The cause of Christ affects all of us who loves the Lord and His people. We appreciate all we hear of, when we see the work in which our fellow- laborers are engaged. This one of the values of this letter to us in that it reveals Paul's character as a man who was courteous, loveable, humble, holy and unselfish. His tact and wisdom are examples to us when he mentions he was a prisoner and acknowledges Philemon's excellence while delaying mentioning Onesimus so he can pave the way for his request.
This interest extends to other members of our family, as in the case of Apphia, Philemon's wife. As "our sister" she not only was his wife but as a Christian would be a participant in the work of the Lord with Philemon, Archippus (probably an elder), a spiritual soldier in the warfare against the powers of darkness arrayed against them in Colossae. The work of the Lord is an on-going conflict in which individuals, and the "church in thy house" are committed. However, that is the extent to which the contents of this letter were to be made known. When we are part of an assembly, we need to remember some things discussed are only the business of those involved in the matter; and to the extent it is affected, the assembly of which these are a part.
Grace and peace were common expressions of greeting when there were both Greeks and Jews in the fellowship. "Grace (charis) was a common Greek word used in greeting that really invokes God's blessing. "Peace" (shalom) was a Jewish word used in greeting that includes that which is good and blessed as well as a state of mind or condition in which we are found. Put together the grace that brings God's favor upon us and the peace that comes as a result of grace, is a very significant form of greeting.
Add to that the fact that it is from two equal Persons of the Godhead who are unified in this matter, and this short letter takes on a powerful and authoritative tone. This is not a simple note making a suggestion. It is important for us to remember that nothing we do in our lives is of no value. Everything has its consequences. The way I write a letter or the way I read a letter dealing with biblical truth, is not something I can take lightly. Things I am asked to do by those who are before me; I cannot lightly refuse nor discount their importance. It may be that at first my reaction to a matter may be one way, but upon reflection and prayerful consideration, my reaction was not right. "Grace" indicates there is a full supply of everything I need to deal with a matter. "Peace" comes after prayer, thanksgiving and putting on all that belong to the new man. "Then "the peace of God rules in the heart [Col.3:15].
It is deep in the heart of a soul-winner, concern and love that remains He remembers the ones who listened well, and when they salvation claimed
Even though we don't know all they do, or even where they might live The joy both preacher and convert had, is a blessing that God alone gives.
The blessing of a common faith is something all Christians share The grace of God alone can save, no works with grace can compare Our faith is planted on the solid rock of God's inspired word That then directs to faith's Supreme Objective, Jesus Christ our Lord.
One man in prison, one slave set free, one businessman all share this in common The new life in Christ each personally received when by God's grace He saved them One man a Jew, and one man a Greek, the other one from some place obscure All have this new nature, new life does give, eternal life in each one is secure.
We see them come today from different places, blessed by grace and peace The barriers and conflicts once they had between them, now in Christ has ceased They find their joy and fellowship is something to be highly cherished Unity and harmony are nurtured now, which previously would long have perished.
"Father, this letter speaks to me in a convicting way. Paul was such a gentleman - thoughtful, gracious and humble, yet authoritative when he wrote to Philemon. I would like to have some of those characteristics when I deal with others. There are beloved fellow-laborers with whom I would like to share our labors and with whom I would like to be able to communicate significantly. Amen."