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In line with all this I have a favour to ask of you. As Christ’s ambassador and now a prisoner for him, I wouldn’t hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary, but I’d rather make it a personal request.

10-14 While here in jail, I’ve fathered a child, so to speak. And here he is, hand-carrying this letter—Onesimus! He was useless to you before; now he’s useful to both of us. I’m sending him back to you, but it feels like I’m cutting off my right arm in doing so. I wanted in the worst way to keep him here as your stand-in to help out while I’m in jail for the Message. But I didn’t want to do anything behind your back, make you do a good deed that you hadn’t willingly agreed to.

15-16 Maybe it’s all for the best that you lost him for a while. You’re getting him back now for good—and no mere slave this time, but a true Christian brother! That’s what he was to me—he’ll be even more than that to you. (The Message).

In the Roman Empire a runaway slave could expect the death penalty, at worst, and the most severe punishment at best.

In the case of Onesimus, there may be an inference that not only did he abscond, but he also stole from Philemon as well (17-20).

But Paul’s letter exudes an atmosphere of mercy. He signals a clear expectation that Philemon will receive his runaway back – not merely as a forgiven slave (which would be radical anyway), but as a brother in Christ. He says that although as an apostle he could command this, he believes he doesn’t have to. He is shrewd in his handling of the situation, applying gentle pressure to Philemon. He reminds him that he owes him (19). Also, although this is a personal letter to Philemon, there is a local church listening in. So Philemon is, in a sense, being held accountable.

(It was impossible for Christians living under the tyrannical rule of Rome to campaign for the abolition of slavery. But it has been said that Paul, in his letters, sows the seeds of its destruction. It was truly radical that slave and master could be together in a church community and call each other ‘brother.’)

I believe the Bible teacher, David Pawson, made the point that Onesimus was ‘re-cycled.’ As we have noted previously, there is an interesting play on words with his name. It means ‘useful.’ He who had previously proved ‘useless’ (11) had now been made ‘useful’ by Jesus. Pawson said that this is what salvation achieves in us all. We are re-cycled.

We can only thank God for His mercy and grace.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving this runaway a welcome home, and a warm place in your family. Thank you so much for using me in your service.

That is why I am boldly asking a favour of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.

10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. (NLT).

It was a poignant, powerful and touching moment. ‘Who are your children?’ The preacher challenged us with his question. ‘Where are your children?’ Then moving over to another younger pastor and his wife, who were sitting on the podium with him that day, he threw his arms around them and declared, ‘Here are two of mine!’ I’ll never forget the seismic impact of this great preacher, senior leader, and genuinely humble man, being able to not only ‘talk the talk’ but clearly ‘walk the walk’ as well. He had led this couple to Jesus a few years earlier.

Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, had encountered the apostle Paul in prison. But much more than this, he had met Jesus. Nevertheless, it was through running into Paul that he got to know Christ. Paul became his spiritual father.

Note: if you find yourself in a restricted place – somewhere you would rather not be – you may discover that God has some purpose in your being there.

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.(New Living Translation).

Looking around at different translations of verse 6, I get the impression that there are alternate ways of expressing what Paul is writing here. I’m quoting from the NLT because I think it quite succinctly expresses the heart of his letter. While acknowledging and affirming all that Philemon so lovingly does out of the overflow of his faith, he has a big ask of him regarding the runaway slave Onesimus. There is in this letter both the request, and the expectation, that Philemon will show great generosity of heart towards his former servant.

At the back of all of this there lies an understanding that theology is to be lived; truth is to be embodied. The more we understand who we are and what we have in Christ, the more this should affect our behaviour.

Paul calls for the Word in action.

How we treat people matters. Let’s tenaciously hold on to this. We can’t get away with saying we love God if we don’t love our brother (or sister) – even the one who has wronged us.

‘That’s the thing about faith. It works.’ Lauren Oliver.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 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. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

(Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers. The Message).

Someone observed that we are saved by faith alone. Nevertheless the faith that saves does not come alone. It does not turn up unaccompanied. Again and again in Paul’s letters faith and love ‘walk out’ together; they go hand in hand, arm in arm.

Philemon’s faith in Christ showed itself in love for others – and ‘Love Does.’

‘Love Does’ is the title of a book by Bob Goff.

Among other things, Philemon’s love overflowed in hospitality. He opened his home to the church, and to individuals, such as Paul (22). The apostle knew there would be a welcome for him at this address. Philemon was a human oasis in the desert of the world. To be around him was to find encouragement and experience refreshment.

In short, then, if we have faith in Jesus, this will spill over in love for others; and if we love them we will work for their benefit – even at cost to ourselves. (See verse 6 in ‘The Message).

Ethel Barrett correctly observed, ‘Christianity is as practical as a pair of shoes: not just for putting on and showing, but for getting up and going.’

Prayer: Loving Lord Jesus, in this new year help me to be someone who refreshes others.