Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, Philemon 1-21       

Philemon 1-21

Probably no New Testament letter is as unfamiliar to Bible readers as the little book of Philemon. It is a letter from Paul, imprisoned, now as an old man for preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus. It is addressed to Philemon, himself a convert of the apostle’s ministry. And the subject of the letter is this man’s runaway slave, Onesimus. In God’s great plan Onesimus has crossed paths with Paul and himself has become converted to the faith. In short Onesimus’ relationship with Philemon has changed radically, from slave to …. get ready …. brother.

How glorious is the gospel? More grand than any human message, I can tell you. Paul has been greatly aided by this young convert. But Paul also realizes, in accordance with the culture of the day, that Onesimus “belongs” to another. And so Paul writes to assure Philemon that he will return the runaway to him if he requires it. At the same time he highlights that the relationship has been dramatically altered and that now Onesimus is related to Philemon, not just by the money he paid for him, but by Jesus’ purchase of them both on the cross. And their brotherhood is more powerful than any human relationship.

So Paul lets Philemon know that he will personally pay anything Onesimus’ departure has cost him, while reminding Philemon that he owes his eternal life to Paul’s ministry. Good point, Paul. All this to say, the gospel bears fruit. Fruit of many kinds to be sure, but perhaps its greatest fruit are the bonds created between sinner and Savior, and then between sinners made saints. We are truly a family as I pointed out in a recent devotion. The family bonds are strong and everlasting. You and I have been purchased and placed. Placed in an eternal family. Now that’s fine fruit.