Mercy: Pass it On

Read Philemon.

This letter from the Apostle Paul is truly an excuse note.

Onesimus was a Colossian slave.  Evidently, he decided he did not like where he was and what he was doing.  But he had no money to escape.  He, then, stole from his master and ran to Rome.  However, even in the big city he could not avoid being caught.  Roman law supported the slave owners to the limit.  At best, he would be sent back home, severely punished, and serve as a slave again.  At worst, he would be executed as an example to others.

But something happened when he was arrested and put in prison.  In the sovereignty of God, Onesimus came in contact with one of his master's closest friends.  Paul introduced this runaway slave to Jesus.  In Colossians 4:9, Paul referred to Onesimus as "our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you."

Receiving Christ changed the slave's eternity, but it did not change the problems he faced.  Paul faced a dilemma as well.  Onesimus needed to own up to his rebellion and thievery.  Also, it appears that Paul had also led Philemon to Jesus.  These were now two Christian brothers and personal friends.  How can Paul somehow reconcile these men so they both behave in a way that pleases God?

Paul took some practical steps of writing this powerful and personal note of appeal.  Next, he sent Tychicus to personally escort Onesimus home.  This would, perhaps, insure not only a safe arrival but a confirmation of all that Paul wanted done.

The appeal in this letter is based upon the fact that since believers have received the mercy of God through Christ, we should pass that mercy on to others who have wronged us.  Mercy is not receiving what we deserve.  Justice would have demanded a different approach.  "Yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you..." (v.9a)  Maclaren wrote, "Love is the weapon of a strong man who can cast aside the trappings of superiority, and is never loftier than when he descends, no more absolute when he (yields) authority, and appeals with love to love."