Forgiveness: A Commentary on Philemon

Forgiveness: A Commentary on Philemon

© 2009 by Jacob Abshire

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Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament

TO MY CHILDREN,

in hope that they will know

the benefits of God’s forgiveness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

POSTPONING PHILEMON

INTRODUCTION TO PHILEMON

1: SETTING THE TONE TO FORGIVE

Paul, a Prisoner | Timothy, a Brother | Philemon, a Beloved Fellow Worker | Apphia, Archippus, and the Church | Greetings | The Tone is Set

2: ASSURING THE HEART TO FORGIVE

A Reputation of Good | A Reputation of Faith | Reputation of Love | Reputation of Labor | Reputation of Edifying | Reputation of Refreshing | The Heart is Assured

3: CONVINCING THE MIND TO FORGIVE

Because it Is Fitting | Because it Is Consistent | Because it Is Considerate | Because it Is Beneficial | Because it Is Greater | Because it Is Gracious | Because it Is Purposed | Because it Is Loving | The Mind Is Convinced

4: MAKING THE APPEAL TO FORGIVE

Receive Him Back | God’s Forgiveness Is Gracious | God’s Forgiveness Is a Commitment | Reconcile His Debt | God’s Forgiveness Includes Consequences | God’s Forgiveness Includes Reconciliation | Realizing Your Debt | Refreshing Your Brother | The Appeal Is Made

5: AFFIRMING THE WILL TO FORGIVE

Paul Is Confident | Philemon Is Accountable | Family Is Witnessing | God Is Gracious | Closing | Forgiveness Is Powerful

APPENDIX 1: THE CHIASTIC ARRANGEMENT

APPENDIX 2: THE SLAVES AND THE SCRIPTURES

The Stigma of Slavery | The Influence of Slavery | The Gospel of Slavery

APPENDIX 3: RESOURCES ON FORGIVENESS

ENDNOTES

STUDY GUIDE

Questions for Chapter 1 | Questions for Chapter 2 | Questions for Chapter 3 | Questions for Chapter 4 | Questions for Chapter 5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

POSTPONING PHILEMON

We’re studying Philemon, I said to a good friend who inquired about our small group. Philemon? What is a Philemon? Unfortunately, his response is not so uncommon. Some people are confused, thinking that Philemon is a type of cheese steak or a special kind of hug from a Rastafarian.

Philemon is perhaps one of the most overlooked books of the bible. Comprised of a single chapter containing 25 verses, it is not only Paul’s shortest letter, but also one of the shortest books in the bible. In addition to its brevity, its nature is personal. This is a letter from the Apostle Paul to a wealthy man named Philemon. Here, Paul writes nothing about correction or the church; therefore one might assume this book lacks the spiritual and doctrinal depth of Paul’s other writings, but that would be a mistake. To the careful student, the book of Philemon offers a deeper understanding of one of the fundamental truths of the Christian faith – forgiveness.

Among Philemon’s many distinguishing characteristics is the fact that it is the only letter written to an individual during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome. Paul’s other letters which were written to churches, are found in the bible as the books of Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

Another remarkable aspect of the book of Philemon is that its recipient was not an official leader in the church. Philemon was not an elder, a deacon or a teacher.

Lastly, it is important to note the uniqueness of how the epistle Philemon was written. Typically, Paul would dictate his letters to a helper who would commit the words to paper. However, the book of Philemon is noted by Paul to be written by Paul himself (Phile. 19). This is the only Pauline epistle where we find this type of personal endearment.

In short, Philemon is an illustrious picture of forgiveness and far more nurturing than a cheese steak. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul challenges believers to be imitators of me, as I imitate Christ. The book of Philemon is a study of the character of the man Philemon whose imitation of Christ is truly inspiring. Philemon is vibrant with truth and I believe that as you read it and meditate on its message, you will find it to be profitable for personal growth - but not the kind around the waist.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILEMON

In an ancient land, some 30 years after Jesus ascended, was a city called Colossae where modern-day Turkey lies. Here, a man named Philemon lived. He was a wealthy man with a large estate and a great reputation. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he was led to the saving knowledge of Christ.

Excited by his new found religion, he joyously opened his home to the local church which met there regularly, and gave freely of his resources. It was the church that we know from the biblical book, Colossians, founded and pastored by Epaphras (Col. 1:7; 4:12) and possibly Archippus, the young son of Philemon (Col. 4:17; Phile. 2).

While hosting the church, Philemon utilized his slaves and servants to help those who gathered to participate in worship. I like to think of it as a forced mission field. Slaves and servants were exposed to the gospel and the good works of those who gathered for worship. However, some slaves refused the gospel, longing instead for worldly freedom. One such slave in particular, discontented with the grace of his master and wishing to escape to the Roman world, stole from Philemon and ran away. The slave’s name was Onesimus.

He fled to Rome where many run-away slaves could be found hiding in the busy crowds. Rome was a wealthy city, flourishing with opportunities, while Colossae was on a downward spiral, becoming less of a popular town than it once was before the time of Christ. From Colossae to Rome was a 1200 mile trip, dangerous and virtually impossible to make without plenty of funds. Thus Onesimus had to steal to survive.

In Rome, with his master’s money in hand, he attempted to blend in with the diverse Roman population, but this didn’t last long. God had other plans.

Through a series of sovereignly orchestrated events, Onesimus eventually found himself in prison and certainly must have thought his future was in peril. But in prison his life took a dramatically new and interesting turn. We don’t know the details, but I like to use my imagination.

A fugitive slave, running away from a rather well-conditioned bondage, is found stealing. The Roman soldiers bind him and drag him to prison. Entering the gate, he is thrust into a holding area full of criminals. He is bitter and frustrated, regretting ever leaving his prior bondage under a gracious master. The stench of men who haven’t bathed in months assault his nostrils and he’s thinking he’s soon to become one. This was not a part of his plan.

He surveys those around him, mercilessly judging each one until he hears something that captures his attention. He tilts his head, listening closely.

A man is speaking with great dignity, softly, to avoid provoking the soldiers. He is talking to a freeman outside, articulating a message to a church in the city of Philippi. The man notices Onesimus listening and motions for him to come nearer, saying, Grace and peace, my name is Paul.

As always, God has arranged for His gospel preacher to be where He needs him at the right time. For next to Onesimus is Paul, Christ’s chosen Apostle to the world. And, as all people who spend time with this evangelist, Onesimus is once again exposed to the gospel. For God intended to save him, and through the work of the Spirit and the convincing words of Paul’s discipleship, Onesimus surrendered to a new kind of freedom - Christ.

In a short time, Paul found Onesimus very useful. Their relationship grew in Christ and Paul came to consider himself the spiritual father of this free slave. He taught him the wonderful truths of the Scriptures and trained him to be of good use to the Kingdom of God. And so it was with a saddened heart that Paul finally decided to part ways with his friend. It was for the better of many that he did.

Onesimus was a run-away slave who wronged his master and he needed to return. It was the right thing to do. Paul didn’t want to part with him, but he wanted the slave to be reconciled with his master and experience the wonder of forgiveness.

Paul learned of Philemon’s great character and how he gave freely of himself and his resources. He was known as one who constantly refreshed the hearts of the Christians meeting there in his home. Paul was confident that only good would come of Onesimus’ return.

So with deep sadness, for parting with your brethren is never easy, Paul composed two letters, one to the church and one to Philemon, and sent them with Onesimus, Tychicus, and possibly others to Colossae.

After some weeks they arrived at the estate of Philemon and as they walked through the land, people stopped and stared in surprise. They recognized Onesimus and knew of his trespasses, and how he had wronged such a good master and godly man. They watched and whispered among themselves, wondering how the master would respond to such audacity.

The final steps were prolonged in Onesimus’ mind. But they were necessary. They were right. Although he knew his old master to be gracious, he was also aware of the penalty provided by law - death to a run-away slave. Nevertheless, his satisfaction in Christ meant that he had a more heavenly freedom no matter what the outcome.

As they made their way to the master’s quarters Onesimus stopped them, for he recognized his master in the field, working alongside the slaves as he usually did. At the same time, Philemon saw the travelers and slowly made his way toward them. As he drew closer, he recognized his slave and was puzzled by the company with him, wondering if they were seeking