Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
13 “I really wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent. And I did not want you to help because you were forced to do it but because you wanted to. 15 Perhaps you could think of it this way: Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever. 16 He is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord.” ~ Philemon 1:13-16
Onesimus means “useful”. Paul used a play on words, saying that Onesimus had not been much use to Philemon in the past but now had become very useful to both him and Paul. Although Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him, he was sending Onesimus back, requesting that Philemon accept him not only as a forgiven runaway servant but also as a brother in Christ.
Slavery was widespread throughout the Roman Empire. In these early days, Christians did not have the political power to change the slavery system. Paul did not condemn nor condone slavery, but he worked to transform relationships. The Good News begins to change social structures by changing the people within those structures. What a difference Onesimus’s status as a Christian made in his relationship to Philemon. He was no longer a mere slave, he was also a brother in Christ. This meant that both Onesimus and Philemon were members of GOD’s family – equals in Christ. A Christian’s status as a member of GOD’s family transcends all other distinctions among believers. We can not look down on any fellow Christian. We have to remember that they are our equals before Christ. – “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians – you are one in Christ.” – Galatians 3:28 – Some Jewish males greeted each new day by praying, ‘Lord, I thank You that I am not a Gentile, a slave, or a woman’. The role of a woman was enhanced by Christianity. Faith in Christ transcends these differences and makes all believers one in Christ. We must make sure we do not impose distinctions that Christ has removed. Because all believers are His heirs, no one is more privileged than or superior to anyone else.
“And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises GOD gave to him belong to you.” – Galatians 3:29 – The original promise to Abraham was intended for the entire world, not just Abraham’s descendants. “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:3 – GOD established a covenant with Abram, telling him that he would found a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, GOD said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram’s descendants. Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow GOD and influence those with whom it came in contact. Through Abram’s family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a personal relationship with GOD and be blessed beyond measure. All believers – Jews and Gentiles – slaves and masters – male and female – participate in this promise and are blessed as children of Abraham. How we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ’s family reflects our true Christian commitment.
Father we recognize and acknowledge that we who are Christians are one in Christ. No one is more privileged or superior than the other. Our faith in Jesus Christ transcends our differences between each other and makes us all one in Christ. We thank YOU, Father GOD that we are true children and heirs of Abraham and because we are his heirs, all of the promises YOU gave Abraham now belong to us. We are abundantly blessed.
Photo: Stowe (Vermont)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
