The story of Philemon, Paul and Onesimus reminds us of how God is able to forgive us for our sins. To support this ministry click here: https://www.cfdowningtown.com/giveGet Connected--https://www.facebook.com/CFDowningtownhttps://www.instagram.com/cfdowni. This message urges him to do something unheard-of: forgive Onesimus and accept him as a brother, not a slave. So Paul made a request. (Philemon 1:10,12-17) Various traditions pick up where the New Testament left off and find Onesimus as the bishop of Ephesus, having been ordained by the apostles. Points Covered: A very practical message on the action needed for forgiving others and the right motivation to forgive our offender based on the epistle of Philemon. . Onesimus then stayed with Paul and assisted him while he was in prison (Phm 13). Before salvation, Onesimus had been useless or unprofitable to Philemon, but now he had become immensely beneficial to both his master and to Paul. With tools for application, this Bible is designed to . 6. 2, 23), convince most scholars that Philemon is a leader in the Colossian church. ( Philemon 18) These words make it clear that Onesimus was in trouble with his master, Philemon. The results of Philemon's act of worship in manumitting Onesimus are twofold: (1) Onesimus is no longer a slave but a brother (v. 16), and (2) Onesimus is no longer a slave but a "partner" (v. 17). But Paul wrote to his friend helping him to understand his new relationship with Onesimus who had now become 'his son' or a Christian while he was in goal. . How would we respond if we were in similar circumstances? Many now hold that Paul was imprisoned in Ephesus, some 100 miles away, a distance Onesimus could easily have traveled, whether as a runaway to Ephesus . Like Onesimus we are all part of the "fellowship of the forgiven", and therefore must . Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus who had run away. Despite Onesimus' fear of arrest and possible capital punishment, Paul wrote his short letter to Philemon. According to ancient traditions, Onesimus went from slave to bishop. Verse 16 could be read as saying Onesimus is Philemon's literal brother. September 14, 2016 by Steve Rempe. " 4 I thank my God, and I always mention . Paul was sending Onesimus back to his master (note that he seems to ignore the Jewish law of Deuteronomy 23:15), presumably as the letter-bearer to the church that met in . Describe Onesimus' situation. Paul did not minimize Onesimus's sin. Yes, he forgives everything as long as you repent. Traditionally, scholars believe Onesimus ran away and by divine providence encountered Paul in prison, who then led Onesimus to Christ. Then, finally, Paul "hinted" that Philemon should set Onesimus free. Philemon 19-25. Philemon was a church official, we believe, somewhere in Collossae or the surrounding area. However, Paul is confident that Philemon will act in love and forgiveness to his former slave, so he makes his appeal on Onesimus' behalf. Onesimus was able to return home only because Paul was willing to pay for his crime. " 4 I thank my God, and I always mention you at my prayers. Onesimus committed a wrong act that separated him from his master. Paul was in Rome, while Onesimus had run away from the province of Asia. So, Paul urged Onesimus to return and make things right with his owner. Paul knew that because of their relationship, Philemon would forgive Paul. Instead, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon with this short letter. Summary: At any time in life we can be Onesimus, Philemon, or Paul i.e., someone who has hurt another person, someone who has been hurt, or someone who is attempted to reconcile two people. However, the fact that Philemon preserved this epistle and allowed it to circulate among the churches, strongly suggests that he did behave as Paul had requested. We have no direct record of his response to this letter. Because this is the purpose of the book, Philemon is an often skipped book. Paul encouraged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, and Paul took Onesimus's debts upon himself ( Philemon 15-19 ). Forgiveness is the work of liberation. That reminds us of 1 Peter 4:8, which says,. Every one of us has, at one time or another, been enslaved by someone else's anger, bitterness . love covers a multitude of sins. In verse 11, Paul explained that Onesimus was once unprofitable to Philemon when he was still with him but later became profitable to both Paul and Philemon in the ministry. It is to release someone that we might both live in freedom. While Paul doesn't mention Jesus' death and resurrection . I appeal to . As a believer in Jesus Christ, Onesimus lived up to his name. To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.. 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and . 1 Peter 4:8 (NASB) I have found that when we love others, we forgive them quickly. Those questions are (1) What did the text mean to the original . 4. This is a final look at it; and really it's, for tonight, just the closing portion of this book. The book of Philemon is not a book about slavery. Theme verses in Philemon Titus. The book of Philemon is actually a letter written by the Apostle Paul to this rich man. . Onesimus had stolen and run away from Philemon, Paul's old friend in Colossae. Paul's letter was written with the aim of reconciling the two men. Onesimus would have guarded that letter closely, treasuring the truth it contained. Paul could have used his authority over Philemon to demand that he take Onesimus back. As a master, Philemon had the legal right to kill his runaway slave, Onesimus. In his letter to Philemon, St. Paul writes about a certain enslaved man whom he educated in the Christian faith. Including over 150 videos via QR code, these features are strategically placed alongside the biblical text to explain God's Word in a fresh way, guiding readers into a deeper understanding of Scripture. He promised to pay any debt Onesimus owed to Philemon. At some point, Onesimus robbed him and ran away. nissan qashqai rebro jonas sjstedt karin sjstedt why was onesimus stoned to death. Bartchy's views have been far more influential on New Testament commentaries than Patterson's studies, perhaps skewing the point of Paul's metaphor of slavery. The Book of Philemon is too often overlooked when reading through the New Testament. September 14, 2016 by Steve Rempe. Onesimus committed a wrong act that separated him from his master. To forgive is not merely to dismiss an offense. 82-5. What did Paul promise to do? Did Philemon forgive Onesimus? Why did Paul send him back. In fact, Paul is hoping to go visit Philemon to encourage him . Paul, Onesimus was introduced to Jesus the Savior. Sermons. Paul was urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus. Why did Paul send Onesimus back? Philemon, The Need For Forgiveness. Philemon had every legal right to severely punish a runaway slave. He paid a debt He did not owe! The Letter " 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2 Apphia our sister, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation in your house. Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus who had run away. The book of Philemon is a personal letter written to a slave owner named Philemon who has a runaway slave named Onesimus, whom Paul is sending back to Philemon. PHILEMON: FORGIVENESS. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge . Philemon had come to know Jesus through Paul's ministry, and, "through history we learn that he was a good master. This is where forgiveness comes in. If the Gospel had not taken root in this man's life, then Paul would have no basis to appeal to Philemon to forgive. Who was the person who needed to be forgiven? Its purpose is to teach forgiveness and acceptance. Philemon, to whom the letter was being written, was a rich man who also hosted a church in his home. In both senses of their new relationship as brothers and partners in Christ, Onesimus acquires new responsibilities of spiritual usefulness to Philemon. Philemon 15-25. "Paul, a prisoner of Christ . Despite the fact that he was incarcerated, he did not seize to be useful to the kingdom of God. Paul wants Philemon to do what he is about to ask, not out of compulsion, but with the love of God in Christ . It is a gift from God to us. Let me read the book to you again, because I want you to have it in mind. Onesimus is going to show up on Philemon's doorstep with a note from Paul. He had a slave called Onesimus who ran away and found himself on Paul's doorstep. We also know that when we refuse to forgive our walk with God gets stuck, our prayers are hindered, our growth stops, and our relationship gets cold and dry. In Philemon 11, Paul brings attention to that Philemon considered Onesimus useless to him. The book of Philemon is actually a letter written by the Apostle Paul to this rich man. This slave had then met the apostle Paul and had become a Christian. Philemon, Onesimus, and Restorative Justice. The Book of Philemon is too often overlooked when reading through the New Testament. Paul saw the genuine work God had done in Philemon's life (Philemon 1:19) and now he was requesting Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to embrace him as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). Paul knew firsthand that Philemon had experienced love and forgiveness . Although Paul wants Philemon to forgive, that doesn't mean One can just say "He should forgive me. In verses 17 to 18 it became clearer why Onesimus left Philemon. Paul poured Jesus into Onesimus and Onesimus took care of Paul's everyday needs in prison. Instead, he humbly appeals to Philemon "on the basis of love" (1:9). (Constable's Notes on Philemon, p. 16) By 110 AD, the bishop of Ephesus was named Onesimus. Click to see full answer He ends the short letter to Philemon with a prayer, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (Philemon 25, NIV). 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, . The Letter. Paul knew these two men - Philemon and Onesimus - had painful, unfinished business between them. Paul assumed in advance what we can assume in retrospect todayPhilemon forgave Onesimus. Let's go back to the book of Philemon tonight. Amongst his riches was slaves. Paul appeals that Philemon would forgive Onesimus because God has transformed Onesimus' life. Unforgiveness Hinders Prayer. We don't know what happened when Continue Reading Stephen Frantz Onesimus, however, was not a loyal servant and had acted dishonestly towards Philemon. Paul urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back as an equal. . 1 The similarity between the letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, especially in the persons mentioned in both as companions of Paul (Col. 4:9-14; 17; Phlm. In Philemon 17, Paul asks Philemon to "welcome him [Onesimus]" back, and in Philemon 18-19, Paul says that if Onesimus has ever wronged him or owes him anything . A mere 25 verses long, the short letter by the Apostle Paul to a wealthy leader of the Church in Colossae is easy to flip past when searching for Hebrews, James, or Revelation. And Onesimus was one of them. Because they are both followers of Jesus, God's grace has made them partners under the new humanity that Jesus has established. Our sins separate us from God. And, he sent a letter along with Onesimus. The only mention of Philemon in the Bible is in the book by that name. He was to forgive Onesimus as he . Onesimus had somehow . The book of Philemon is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his friend Philemon whom he calls a "dear friend and fellow worker" (Philemon 1:1). It is important to ask ourselves four important questions when studying any portion of God's Word. Well, Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon. This was not some kind of cheap grace that Paul asked Philemon to offer. In Philemon 15, Paul says he is trying to explain why Onesimus was separated from Philemon. We know this because in Colossians, Paul writes to the church there: . personal benefit for Paul - Paul is hopeful that Philemon will receive/forgive Onesimus, expressing that he (Paul) will receive some benefit/refreshment at the news. Unto whom could we liken or depict Philemon, Paul and Onesimus? Paul, to show how sincere and how concerned he was, told Philemon to charge to his account any amount Onesimus must have owed him. Does God forgive all your mistakes? It has been suggested that Onesimus became a fugitive after robbing Philemon in order to finance his flight to Rome. Bartchy's view was that slavery in the first century was "decidedly benign," while Patterson argues that slavery was equivalent to a "death experience.". Because this personal letter is included in Scripture, one can assume that Philemon did indeed forgive Onesimus his debt . 21 May. Paul helps his friend Philemon reconcile with his escaped former slave Onesimus. 4. The offence of Onesimus was not stated, but he appealed to Philemon to forgive Onesimus whatever offence he might have committed and take him back, this time not as a slave, but as a brother. Forgiveness is the work of liberation. Is repentance optional? The letter of Philemon is therefore Paul's requests to Philemon allow Onesimus to join Paul's ministry team and perhaps even grant Onesimus his freedom. 15-17). All the power is in Philemon's hands because Onesimus has chosen to humble himself and courageously do the right thing. It was the right thing to do. Sep 17, 2017. In fact, Paul offered to recompense Philemon for any loss he had sustained by not having Onesimus serve him while he was a runaway. The story of Philemon, Paul and Onesimus reminds us of how God is able to forgive us for our sins. And it is on this basis that Paul makes his plea to Philemon for Onesimus, to forgive, to show mercy, to be reconciled and united, no longer as slave and master but as brothers in Christ Jesus. There he intended to lose himself in the thronging masses. Onesimus had broken the law in more ways than one. Paul 's twofold petition is summarized in Philemon verses 17 and 18: Welcome him as you would welcome me. Philemon had come to know Jesus through Paul's ministry, and, "through history we learn that he was a good master. Whatever the particulars, Paul called Philemon to forgiveness. Paul understands that the hearts of men cannot be changed by law, but only through the gospel. Even though Onesimus' name means "useful" or . Paul asks Philemon, not to just forgive him, but to accept him as a brotherhe does this by writing this letter Paul says faithfulness to Jesus means all followers are partners who share in the gift of grace of Jesus For Paul, partnership or Koinonia is not something to just think aboutsomething you do, act on Paul asks Philemon not only forgive Onesimus but to accept him as Koinonia . Because this personal letter is included in Scripture, one can assume that Philemon did indeed forgive Onesimus his debt . Unto whom could we liken or depict Philemon, Paul and Onesimus? Philemon and Onesimus were at opposite ends of the social spectrum, but both were challenged to do the right thing and be united in the Lord. Paul wrote asking Philemon to not only forgive Onesimus but to go beyond this and . November 29, 2015. He wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus, to accept the slave as a brother in Christ, and to consider sending Onesimus back to Paul, as the apostle found him useful in God's service (1:11-14). The name Onesimus means "helpful," "useful," or "profitable." It was a common name for slaves in that day. Denomination: Christian Church. I'm not going back." Forgiveness is not something we should consider as our right. The Beauty and Blessing of Forgiveness, Part 3. " 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2 Apphia our sister, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation in your house. It is mercy. The apostle Paul told us that either Onesimus has done wrong or has owed something to Philemon. We all go through offenses and hurt from time-to-time in life. The letter to Philemon, from which we read today, is a very interesting letter, unlike any other of the letters of St. Paul. 4 i thank my god always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because i hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the lord jesus, and toward all the saints; 6 and i pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through . But Paul sends the runaway slave back to his old master. Paul composed a personal letter to Philemon, which appears in Scripture as the book of Philemon. Paul, as an apostle, could have commanded Philemon to forgive Onesimus but instead was pleading with him. The book of Philemon was written when Paul was in prison. 1. Paul then intercedes for Onesimus, asking that Philemon forgive him and receive him back as a brother in the Lord. Along with Onesimus, Paul also sent Philemon this beautiful personal letter, urging him to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back to service as a brother in Christ (Philem. No, its mandatory. Yet for love's sake I rather beseech you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, was from Colossae, and he was one of the people who delivered Paul's letter to the Colossians. if Philemon indeed did forgive Onesimus, the one who benefited most was not the one forgiven, but the one who forgave; the fruits of that one act of forgiveness would have been far reaching within the early church, in the life of Onesimus, and certainly in the life of Philemon; 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1-3). Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a true brother in Christ, which if he were to actually do, would very naturally make it impossible to continue to enslave him. Specifically, he asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and he offered himself as Onesimus ' substitute in the event that Philemon chose to exact payment or recompense from his slave. He asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him as a Christian brother not as his runaway slave. Even though Onesimus' name means "useful" or . Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25. That is Paul's point. Philemon 10-11,16 (NIV). A mere 25 verses long, the short letter by the Apostle Paul to a wealthy leader of the Church in Colossae is easy to flip past when searching for Hebrews, James, or Revelation. Philemon is the shortest of Paul's letters, more like a . The CSB Tony Evans Study Bible includes extensive study notes, commentary, sermons, and writings crafted and curated by Dr. Tony Evans. Verse 9. PLAY. STUDY. Paul exhorted Philemon to humble himself for a fellow believer, as . Every one of us has, at one time or another, been enslaved by someone else's anger, bitterness, or disappointment, just as we have taken others captive by our own. A third, less likely possibility is that Onesimus is not a slave, but the wayward brother of Philemon. The name Onesimus means. Along with Onesimus, Paul also sent Philemon this beautiful personal letter, urging him to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back to service as a brother in Christ (Philem. Those questions are (1) What did the text mean to the original . Philemon 1:10-25 Paul's Appeal for Onesimus Introduction While in prison, Paul had led Onesimus to the Lord. However, his newfound Christian. Philemon and Onesimus "When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus." from the letter to Philmon. Paul composed a personal letter to Philemon, which appears in Scripture as the book of Philemon. March 27, 2020. This slave had then met the apostle Paul and had become a Christian. What needs to happen here is forgiveness and reconciliation, but if pride sneaks in, vengeful feelings take hold, fear rules the day, or Philemon's or Onesimus' heart gets hard, it could go very wrong. Paul seems to know what this will do for Philemon (not to mention Onesimus), and Paul will be encouraged by the news. So, to summarize that and flesh out my answer: Yes, Paul did return Onesimus to Philemon officially as a slave, in a good-faith gesture that reinforced his own heart-to-heart appeal to Philemon to give Onesimus his freedom after he had returned and been reconciledthe No part (of the answer). Philemon 15-25. Brent Kercheville. We have that letter called Philemon. Our sins separate us from God. Would Philemon forgive Onesimus for stealing money and running away, or would he have Onesimus killed? Philemon needed help forgiving Onesimus and releasing him from slavery. It is important to ask ourselves four important questions when studying any portion of God's Word. So he asked Philemon to forgive his runaway slave who had become a Christian and, even going beyond forgiveness, to accept Onesimus as a brother. Onesimus, however, was not a loyal servant and had acted dishonestly towards Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to accept his slave as a brother in Christ now, while also asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus for having run from him. In the book of Philemon, Paul appeals to his friend on behalf of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Philemon, Onesimus, and Restorative Justice. 15-17). 3. Paul as an Apostle could have ordered Philemon to accept Onesimus departure and kept him in Rome as his helper. Onesimus, according to Paul's short letter to Philemon, became a Christian through Paul's outreach. Onesimus was able to return home only because Paul was willing to pay for his crime. We see that in this Scripture on unforgiveness. Philemon 1:17-19 - The Basis For Forgiveness. But the Gospel has taken root in Onesimus' life, powerfully so. 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Philemon 1-3). Paul and Onesimus then developed a wonderful father-son relationship spiritually. philemon 1:3-6 (nasb) grace to you and peace from god our father and the lord jesus christ. Yet, Paul asks Philemon to set aside his "rights" and forgive (Philemon 1:17 . Post by . Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon not to be his slave, but to assist him in his work to spread faith in the Protagonist.