Week 4: Philemon

There's a book in the Bible named Philemon? Bible Trivia question that I would fail...oops! Thank goodness I am now finally discovering the whole Bible...it's about time. This book is a letter from Paul and Timothy to Philemon, who was a wealthy man and a member of the church of Colosse. (Thank you Life Application Study Bible!) The letter is written on behalf of Onesimus, who ran away from Philemon to Rome where he met Paul who led him to Christ. Paul persuade Onesimus to return to Philemon so Paul wrote this letter encouraging Philemon to forgive Onesimus because he was a changed man. So the overall theme of this very short 1 chapter book is forgiveness. The letter egins with Paul stating that he prays for Philemon and has heard that his "faith in the Lord Jesus and [his] love for all of God's people" ~1:5. Paul goes on in verse 6 to say that he is praying that Philemon will put this faith and love and generosity into action.

"And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes
from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in
Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort my brother, for your
kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people." 1:6-7

I think we so often are quick to love and show generosity to those we are friends with or even strangers that have done us no harm but as soon as someone we know whether it is an acquaintance, close friend, or family wrongs us we are no longer as quick to show generosity and forgiveness. Maybe its because we expect more of these people or because we are hurt more so its harder to forgive. Paul is asking Philemon to practice his love and generosity to Onesimus even though he has wronged him by running away. Paul also acknowledges that Onesimus is a changed man and is now a brother in Christ. I think as Christians we are so quick to judge people for things in their past and forget that the power of Jesus cleanses all sins and makes everyone a completely new creation. We are also quick to forget that we once were made a new creation and that without Christ's salvation we all fall short of the glory of God. The power of Jesus can completely change hearts and lives and we need to forgive the wrongdoings of others in our lives. Our forgiveness, love, and generosity towards those that have hurt us might be the very thing that shows them the love and forgiveness of Jesus.

When this book was written it was legal for a master to kill a runaway slave. Onesimus feared for his life and Paul urged Philemon to welcome Onesimus back home. He offers to take on everything that Onesimus owes Philemon. Paul showed Onesimus such grace. Just as we are blessed in order to be a blessing we are extended grace so that we in turn might extend grace.

The end of the book doesn't say whether or not Philemon forgives Onesimus and welcomes him home debt free or not. Hopefully I will learn this in one of the 62 books left! I doubt it will be this week: Song of Songs! This might be interesting...

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirit" 1:25

~Kenlyn