Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 1-3
     New Testament Reading: Philemon

I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains. Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me (Philemon 9-11).

The letter from Paul to his friend Philemon reveals a warm, touching side to the apostle’s personality. This brief letter provides powerful examples of how a mature Christian can provide godly mediation to resolve a conflict between Believers, and also how we, as Christian are to forgive others instead of demanding justice.

Philemon was a friend of Paul’s who helped start the Colossian church in his own home. After Paul left, one of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, ran away. Interestingly, Paul does not deliver a discourse against slavery, but teaches how we are to relate to each other in Christ. He suggests a completely new frame of reference, brotherhood, should transform all earthly relationships. In this letter, we see Paul act as a mentor to Philemon and Onesimus in their relationship to one another.

Philemon had a legal right to punish Onesimus for running away. However, as God would have it, Onesimus found Paul in prison and joined him there to talk. During those discussions, Paul led him to the Lord. The issue got sticky, for Onesimus was not merely a runaway slave but a brother in Christ. Paul challenged Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother—clearly, a lot to ask. Philemon must have felt confused, angry, and perhaps even thought about ignoring the request and giving Paul the silent treatment. Paul made this option nearly impossible, however. The apostle wrote with such heart and grace that Philemon couldn’t help but respond in kind.

This letter stands as a case study in healthy confrontation, the act every Christian leader must master. Difficult people and circumstances will arise. We must recognize that conflict is natural. It occurs simply because of human differences. And conflict is normal. It happens to all of us. Paul seemed to understand all this. He addressed the problem through this letter written from prison, then sent it with great confidence to Philemon through a messenger—none other than Onesimus himself.

This brief letter also contains a magnificent study in forgiveness and teaches us about giving others second chances. To demand justice is only natural, which is precisely the problem. Getting even is natural, but it is not spiritual. We should frequently remind ourselves of when we were running from God as a slave to sin and thank Him for sending His Son to redeem us. In turn, we should extend that same grace to others and forgive.