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 led
Philemon to Jesus. These were now two Christian brothers and personal
friends. How can Paul somehow reconcile a runaway slave and a slave owner
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."
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