Philemon is an interesting small book in the New Testament. Normally, we see Paul appealing to his authority as an apostle, but he doesn’t do that in this letter. In fact, quite the opposite. Paul appeals to love and relationships here as he encourages Philemon to receive Onesimus back. We talk a little about what these relationships look like, about the power of God to save and transform, and then about the good that comes from telling others about Jesus!

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Good morning! It’s wonderful to be back with you after a brief break last week. I hope each of you had a rejuvenating spring break, whether you spent it relaxing at home or elsewhere. Personally, I’m grateful for the opportunity to unplug and recharge during my time away. Now that I’m back, let’s delve into Paul’s letter to Philemon. Today, we’ll read the entire letter in one go, as it comprises just 25 verses.

Now, let’s discuss the significance of this letter. Philemon is a personal letter from Paul to a church leader, believed by some scholars to be a bishop, given the mention of the church gathering in Philemon’s home. Unlike many of Paul’s other letters where he asserts his apostolic authority, here Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of love and personal relationship.

The letter revolves around Onesimus, who may have been Philemon’s slave and possibly even stole from him before fleeing. However, Onesimus encountered Paul, either by chance in prison or seeking him out, and became a Christian. Through Paul’s influence, Onesimus transformed from being useless to being useful—not only to Philemon but also to Paul himself. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Despite the potential controversy surrounding slavery in the ancient world, Paul’s letter underscores the transformative power of the gospel to break down earthly divisions. In Christ, there is no distinction based on social status, ethnicity, or gender—we are all one.

For me personally, Philemon has always held a special place in my heart. As a college student, I stumbled upon this letter during a devotional, and verse 6 has remained a favorite: “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.” Sharing our faith not only blesses others but also strengthens our own conviction in the goodness of Christ.

As we navigate our faith journey, let’s remember to actively share the good news of Jesus Christ. By doing so, we not only impact others but also reinforce our own appreciation for the salvation we have received. So, let’s seize the opportunity today to make a difference for Jesus—whether through grand gestures or simple acts of love. Each opportunity to share our faith is an opportunity to experience anew the goodness of our salvation.

With our exploration of Paul’s pastoral letters complete, we now turn our attention to the Old Testament. Specifically, we’ll embark on a journey through the minor prophets, beginning tomorrow with Joel. I’m excited to delve into these rich texts with you. Until then, have a wonderful day!