Philemon 1
Philemon 1
Philemon is a fascinating and short letter. Just one chapter, this short letter is from Paul, who is chained to a Roman soldier to a dear friend of his Philemon. The introduction of Philemon in the NIV tells us this:
Onesimus was originally from Colossae, and would have been known to the people there. But Paul was compelled to write a separate letter for him. This was because Onesimus had been the slave of a wealthy Colossian named Philemon, in whose home the church met. Onesimus had run away, probably robbing Philemon in the process. In Rome, he had become a follower of Jesus. He’d been helping Paul in prison, but now Paul needed him to return to Colossae. Paul hoped that Philemon would not only forgive Onesimus but welcome him as a brother and no longer a slave.
With that context, can you imagine what Philemon thought when Onesimus delivered this letter from Paul to him? As you read this letter and process, it put yourself in Philemon’s shoes. Yes, he was a slave owner, but it sounds like Philemon was a really good guy. He was hosting church in his home and solidly serving the cause of Christ. However, as I wrote yesterday, reading about slaves is pretty hard to process and bothers me...but this was completely normal in this time and culture. I am not condoning it, and I am just saying it does not take away from his character.
So much to talk about here in this short letter. Back in January when I read Philemon I wrote these few journals;
But today, something different jumped out that I want to highlight, a quick little arrow prayer that Paul said.
“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.” - Philemon 1:6 NIV
Such a powerful prayer and statement that Paul made here. I see this all through Paul’s letters and writing, and he is again making the critical connection between what we believe and what we do. Here, in this short prayer, Paul is praying for Philemon’s deeper understanding. This is his knowledge of Christ and his belief, and Paul then connects this to an outcome and a result.
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” - Philemon 1:7 NIV
I read this and desperately desire to have the ability to refresh the hearts of the Lord’s people. This is such a powerful outcome of knowing and walking with Christ. For this to be a reality, we see the connection back to deepening your understanding of Christ. This relationship with Christ is the foundation, the rock we build our life on, and the deep pursue we must take daily.
Father, I pray to continually deepen my understanding of you, and pursue my relationship with you daily. I desire the outcome of this relationship producing refreshed hearts, joy, and encouragement to those all around me. Amen