Redeemed

I will be writing about the book of Philemon. It is a short but powerful book about redemption. We have all failed in life, but we were given a second chance. This book gives people hope.

Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, who was a believer in Jesus and knew Paul personally. In the first verse, we see both Paul and Timothy. Timothy was Paul’s partner in the work of the gospel. Paul wanted to share some important information with Philemon. Philemon hosted a church that met in his house. At that time, there were no church buildings—only house churches. God gives us grace to grow together with other believers. We also see a woman named Apphia and a man named Archippus mentioned in the greeting.

Let’s go further into verses 4 to 6. Paul prayed for the believers and wanted to show that he truly loved the church. Love requires passion and communication. Paul prayed for his friends. If someone believes in Jesus, they should pray and encourage others.

The reason Paul wrote this letter to Philemon was because a servant had escaped from his house. The servant’s name was Onesimus. I don’t know exactly why Onesimus ran away, but he wanted to return and work again with Philemon. Back in those days, people had contracts or agreements with one another. Onesimus had broken his agreement with Philemon.

At the time he left, Onesimus didn’t believe in Jesus. But he came back as a believer in Christ. Paul acted like a good lawyer on Onesimus’s behalf. He stood up for him and showed care for the servant. We should do the same—we need to look out for others.

This is a great book about love and redemption. Christ brings a redeemed life.

Philemon 1:1-3

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:4-7

 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Philemon 1:8-25

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.