Daily Thought

Philemon and his family were wealthy, well known, and greatly loved by the apostles and saints. A church met in his home, and he was occupied in the work of the Lord as well as running his own household business. It is thought that Apphia was his wife and Archippus his son. He refreshed the saints in his life and ministry and accommodated the Lord’s servants as opportunity presented itself. Recently, however, one of his slaves, Onesimus by name, had absconded and probably purloined some of his master’s goods as he did so. But I think Philemon had drawn a line under that and moved on. He did not pursue him.

How surprising then to receive a letter from Paul in Rome, signed also by Timothy, with news of the runaway! More than that, Paul had personally met him, it seems, and now the man was a believer in the Lord Jesus and was on his way back home! Sent and commended by none other than Paul himself! The letter that Onesimus carried to Philemon is a masterpiece. Rightly praising Philemon and his family it asks that Onesimus be received back into their home. In case there should be grounds for objection, in that restoration should be made Paul says, ‘If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account . . . receive him as myself’, vv. 18, 17.

Paul, having introduced himself to Philemon as a prisoner, now speaks of being a partner with him, but is unwilling to take decisions that should rightly be his. He muses that perhaps Onesimus departed for a season that he should be received for ever, no longer as a servant but as a brother beloved. His confidence that Philemon will do the right thing is to say that he himself will be coming shortly and that he is sure he will be welcome - so should Onesimus.

So, what happened? The answer is that we don’t know. But we do know the kind of man Philemon was, and are sure he would have received the runaway back again into his service. Perhaps even beyond that, some speculate that he may not only have received him back but sent him back again to Paul in Rome to continue to minister to the aged apostle on behalf of all the friends at Colossae. Forgiveness benefits all involved!