The Faith of Philemon (Part 2)

Philemon 1:8-16

The Roman empire was estimated to have over 60 million slaves. One of those slaves was Onesimus, who belonged to Philemon. These men and women who were slaves were treated like pieces of merchandise. According to Warren Wiersbie, the average slave sold for around 500 denarii. The very skilled or educated slaves could go for as much as 50,000 denarii. Based on my research the value of a denarii could range anywhere from once cent to one hundred dollars. Since a slave could buy their freedom in these times, I am under the impression that it would be closer to one cent rather than one hundred dollars.

If a slave was to run away, the owner could register a name and description and the officials would places them on the “wanted” list. If a random citizen found the runaway slave they were actually allowed to take the slave in as their own if they interceded with the owner. The owner could then decide if they wanted to give them the slave, take the slave back, or sentence the salve that has fled from the owner to death.

Here is where we see Paul as the intercessor between Onesimus and Philemon. Onesimus has ran away from his rightful owner and now Philemon has a big decision to make. Onesimus came to Paul. According to what we now know about slaves in those times Paul could have take Onesimus or turned him in. Yet Paul decided to show both he and Philemon the same thing Christ shows to us, grace.

The word “wherefore” in (V.8) has the meaning of “accordingly.” Yesterday we learned that Philemon was a great believer, a refreshing believer who had led many men and women closer to Christ and also investing in the lives of many individuals. Paul wanted to remind Philemon of who he was. Philemon has an amazing opportunity here to radically impact Onesimus’ life. Onesimus had done Philemon wrong by running away from him. I wonder how many of us throw grace out the window to retaliate against those who have wronged us. Imagine if Jesus had done that. Imagine if Jesus threw everything away because of all the things we have done against Him. Guess what, He didn’t. He showed love through sin, strife, and slandering. We have to get better in showing God’s grace to ALL people.

Onesimus has just been saved. If you remember from yesterday, Onesimus came to Rome in hopes to fit into the crowd and the world, yet he found Paul who lead him to God. While Onesimus was trying to get lost in the world he got saved by God. John 15:19 says “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” My best guess about this situation is that Onesimus knows the heart of Philemon and would think that Philemon would forgive him and take him in again. However, I’m sure there was still the fear Philemon not taking him in and not forgiving him.

Paul is making the appeal here that Onesimus is no longer Philemon’s slave, but also his Christian brother. Let’s make another application here, Onesimus was not only no longer a slave to Philemon but he now is no longer a slave to sin! That’s the beauty of the Gospel and the salvation of Christ! The cross broke the bondage of sin and set us free because of the love of Christ. John 3:16 tells us this “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” What great news it would be to receive that you have a new brother or sister in the Lord! Galatians 3:28 tells us that in Jesus Christ “there is neither bond nor free.” Onesimus had not been freed of his debt to Philemon, yet. But praise the Lord that he had been forgiven of his sin debt! He had a new standing before God and Paul was trying to get Philemon to see the change that had been made in Onesimus’ life.

I believe that Paul had a pastor’s heart. There is no doubt in my mind that he would've loved to keep Onesimus in Rome with him to disciple, equip, and grow him in his walk with Christ. However Paul wanted to send Onesimus back to Philemon but did not want to tell Philemon what to do. Paul saw the value in the life of Onesimus, much like Barnabas saw the value in the life of Saul before he became Paul. Every follower of Christ has great value because they are the product of an incredible salvation and an amazing testimony. We literately have the knowledge, tools, and most importantly the savior that gives us the ability to change the world.

Onesimus rebelled from his owner to go to Rome, however in his rebellion he found Christ. Paul reminds Philemon of that in (v.15-16.) I want to remind you that Philemon was hosting church in his house. I can guarantee you, because we know the heart of Philemon, he and his wife had witnessed to this slave and prayed for him. After all, Onesimus was always around the church. Here is my favorite part of the testimony. Onesimus entered Rome as a slave to sin but would return to Colosse as a brother in Christ. Only God can make something like that happen! What an incredible testimony for Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus.

Are you feeling like Onesimus? A slave, not to man, but to sin? Come to God, He can and will break those chains and set you free just like He did for Onesimus. Maybe you are trying to fit into the world just like Onesimus was, God radically changed him and God can radically change you. What love and forgiveness Paul and Philemon had for Onesimus. However the love and forgiveness that God had for Onesimus is greater than Paul and Philemon’s love combined. There is not greater love than the love of God.