Plea For Forgiveness
November 11, 2021
Commentary
Paul makes a strong plea for Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and stealing from him and to welcome him back (vv. 8-9). Paul’s mentions that he is aged and also a prisoner was probably made to gain Philemon’s approval. Paul must have been nearly sixty years old at that time and certainly he was a missionary statesman by anyone’s statutes, and by anyone’s standard.
Paul refers to Onesimus as a son in the faith to Paul (v. 10) and a brother to Philemon (v. 16). He says that before this, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me and sending him back to you makes me very sad (vv. 11-12). I would like to keep him here helping me while I am in prison for preaching the good news but I won’t do anything unless you agree to it first as I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do (vv. 13-14). Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so that you could have him back for good, but not as a slave (v. 15). Paul’s deep affection and admiration for Onesimus must have been evident to Philemon as he even exhorts Philemon to receive him as he would Paul himself (v. 17). Though Onesimus was still Philemon’s slave, and as far as we know remained such, in Christ he was a brother and a joint-heir with Paul and Philemon. Christian bonds transcend human barriers and exceed more earthly relationships.
Paul asked Philemon to charge any financial obligation Onesimus might have to his account, but don’t forget that you owe me your life. (vv. 18-19). It appears that, as Philemon’s spiritual father, he was hoping that Philemon would feel a debt of gratitude and would want to repay by acccepting Onesimus with a spirit of forgiveness. His ability to pay it back may have come from the gifts sent to him from Philippi (Philippians 4:14-19). He pleads with Philemon, his dear friend and follower of Christ to please cheer him up by doing this for him and goes on to say he is sure he will do all he has asked, and even more (vv. 20-21).
With the plea for Onesimus ended, Paul expresses his desire of visiting Philemon once his case in Rome is decided (v. 22). Paul was released from prison soon after writing this letter, but the Bible doesn’t say whether he returned to Colosee. Epaphras is also in jail with Paul for being a follower of Christ Jesus and he sends his greetings, along with Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with him (vv. 23-24). He then reminds Philemon that he prays that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to him (v. 25)! Paul urges Philemon to be reconciled to his slave, receiving him as a brother and fellow member of God’s family. Reconciliation means reestablishing his relationship. Jesus Christ changed Onesimus relationship to Philemon from being a slave to being a brother.
Application
Just as Paul plead with Philemon to forgive Onesimus for stealing from him and running away the Lord wants me to forgive those who may do things that hurt me. Ask - What do you think you would have done in response to Paul’s letter if you had been in Philemon’s shoes? Is there anyone you can think of who has done something to you that you need to forgive and restore fellowship with?
Philemon 1:8– 25 (NET)
8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper, 9 I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus — 10 I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus, 11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me. 12 I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. 14 However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness. 15 For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord. 17 Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me. 18 Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owes to me. 19 I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do. 22 At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you. 24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too. 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Illustration: Mother Asked Boys to Forgive Each Other
Two little brothers, Harry and James, had finished supper and were playing until bedtime. Somehow, Harry hit James with a stick, and tears and bitter words followed. Charges and accusations were still being exchanged as their mother prepared them for bed. She said, “Now boys, what would happen if either of you died tonight and you never had the opportunity again for forgive one another?” James spoke up, “Well, OK, I’ll forgive him tonight, but if we’re both alive in the morning, he’d better look out.” How often do we hold onto our grudges…and choose not to forgive. (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).