part0211

Key Verse : "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains."

In Philemon 1:7-21, the Apostle Paul wrote his friend, Philemon, so that he could ask a special favor of him. He began his letter by acknowledging Philemon’s love for the Lord and others and by commending him for the church that he had been running out of his home. He was pleased by his friend’s actions because he knew that Philemon was being faithful during a period when it cost something to be faithful. On the occasion of his writing, Paul was in prison for having preached the gospel, and in a few years, he would be put to death for being a Christian. So, he admired and appreciated his friend’s zeal for the Lord, and he knew that, by running a church out of his home, Philemon was exposing himself to the same risks and dangers as he.

Paul wrote to Philemon to ask him to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus. He had become friends and co-workers with Onesimus while in prison, and he was sending him back to his former master, Philemon, so that they could be re-united. From how Paul treated the incident, six truths can be seen. First, he knew that Onesimus had done wrong and that he needed to take responsibility for his actions. Second, he knew that the one-time slave could be of great benefit helping Philemon minister to others. Third, he knew and understood that the whole foundation of Christianity is love and forgiveness. Fourth, he knew that, to be forgiven for what he had done, Onesimus had to return to his master’s home and ask for forgiveness. Fifth, Jesus presents those that come to Him to His heavenly Father and asks for their forgiveness in much the same way as Paul was asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus. Sixth, God is happy to receive those that come to Him in the right spirit and with the right attitude.

Isaiah 1:18 says, "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'"