Philemon 1:1-7

I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

 

 

Paul starts this letter off by thanking God for Philemon, his family and his church.  Philemon seems to have made an impression on Paul. Paul prays for Philemon whenever he remembers him even in his imprisonment. He seems to think more about Christ's church then about his legal problems. He commends Philemon's love and faith towards Christ and his church. In Colossians 3:3:13-17 we are called to be compassionate, humble, patient, be able to bear one another, forgiving, peaceful and thankful. These are some of the traits we have as believers in Christ and we should impart it to our fellow church members. It is very motivating and refreshing to receive a word of encouragement, help when we are in need, or just share good times with one another in our churches. Philemon as a leader of his church imparts these values and we notice that it can be infectious.

Paul is encouraged by hearing the good news of how the church in Philemon's house is doing likewise we can learn to imitate Philemon. Do you know someone who needs prayer? anyone who needs help? is there someone you haven't talk to in your church? Is there any activity in your church that you would like to participate? There are people in our churches who need encouragement, love, mercy, forgiveness, joy etc. We are all a team and should work together to love each other as a family. If we do this we may find our churches stronger, vibrant and encouraged. As someone I know like to say "we all sink or swim together". Let us strive to show the good things we have learned though Jesus to others especially to our church.  

Philemon

This is my attempt to read the Bible 20 times. It is not meant to be race, I know I will not finish by the end of this year. As a Christian for almost 20 years I have read most of the Bible but never finished it entirely. I found this idea from a post by Joe Carter. I write my findings on each book on this page. It is pretty daunting but my goal is to find joy and peace in the Lord, and the best place to find it is in his words. My posts will come in spurts but we will see how I do since I am trying to read each book 20 times. Let's start with Philemon.

 

Philemon is among Paul's most personal of all his letters. Paul is the most prolific writers on the New Testament with 13 letters to his name. Paul writes this letter to Philemon in regards to Onesimus, Philemon's slave who escaped because apparently he stole some of Philemon's money.  Onesimus runs away but eventually he meets Paul and becomes a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him back with love and kindness especially now that he Philemon's brother in Christ. Even promising Philemon to pay back whatever Onesimus stole from him.

It is important to note that slavery in Biblical times were far different than colonial America. Slavery was very widespread in the Roman Empire.  Slaves were property and could be sold, purchased, inherited, or used to pay debts.  Many slaves were professionals (musicians, accountants, masters of households, among many trades) slaves could also purchase their freedom.  There were instances where slaves loved to serve their masters and profited from them so much that they continued to be slaves. Slaves had secure protection and provisions compared to living in poverty as a freeman.