Philemon
Bible Passage: Philemon
Today’s chapter/book is probably one we’re quite familiar with. For this reason, we might also be aware that its canonised status is one that that has been debated. After all, it reads as an individual letter from Paul to Philemon concerning a somewhat personal matter; not something we would expect to read in the Bible.
However, because we trust that the Bible is the Word of God and that ‘all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness’ (2 Tim 3:16), we can receive much edification and teaching from the book through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Let me share what I gleaned from the book in this reading.
Redemption and forgiveness
But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. (18-19)
The first thing that struck me is something that is usually mentioned when discussing this book – forgiveness.
Although Paul is certainly not Jesus, we can see the same motivation of forgiveness here and in the teachings concerning forgiveness that Jesus taught. Does the parable of the servant who was forgiven much yet refused to forgive his fellow servant come to mind (Matt 18)? Happily, it appears that Philemon is a contrast to this wicked and unforgiving servant.
What the parable of Jesus as well as the encouragement of Paul tells us is the same – we forgive because we have first been forgiven and have been reconciled with God. Paul does not deny the fact that Onesimus did do harm to Philemon but what he emphasises on is the fact that Philemon, unlike non-believing masters in the world who would most likely kill Onesimus on his return, should forgive and receive him with love solely because he is a believer of Christ.
This is the same for us today when we talk about forgiveness. Based on our own strength and will alone, out forgiveness will be limited and maybe even insincere. However, when we appreciate the forgiveness that we have been received as children of God and use that as our motivation to forgive others, our forgiveness will be that of ‘seventy times seven’ Jesus mentioned and will definitely be pleasing to God.
Wisdom in interaction
The other thing that really wowed me upon careful reading and analysis was the wisdom and skill with which Paul put forth his appeal. We can certainly learn from him in our interaction with others and maybe get more things done in a much more Christianly manner.
Let’s take a look at the flow of Paul’s appeal.
- Praise first
- Appeal, not command
- Respecting the other party’s freedom of choice
- According to the will of God
- Giving hope and encouragement
Some might say Paul was trying to ingratiate himself with Philemon before asking a favour from him but as we can see, Paul, being an apostle and the person who brought Philemon to Christ, hardly needs to do so.
Yet, despite his authority, Paul pointed out the good points of Philemon and appealed to him to continue in his good works instead of demanding that he do what he should as a Christian. He also seeks Philemon consent concerning his own slave and reminds him of God’s will in loving one another then ends off by letting him know he had confidence Philemon could do better and also do the right thing.
As parents, teachers, counsellors, co-workers etc, this is a very good lesson for all of us. Although there may be need for chastisement or punishment from time to time, the basic principles of tact, praise, respect and hope for improvement should underline our interactions with one another.
May we apply these lessons we learn from the Bible in our daily lives and become more and more pleasing to Him day by day 🙂