Philemon and Forgiveness – Part I

Thirty years after the death of Jesus, in the town of Collase, there lived a wealthy Christian man named Philemon. Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus. At some point Onesimus escaped from Philemon, likely stealing money to pay for his journey and new life in Rome. While in Rome, through the Providence of God, Onesimus ran into Paul and was eventually converted to Christianity. The New Testament letter Philemon was written by Paul pleading with Philemon to live up to his reputation and extend mercy and forgiveness to Onesimus, now a Christian brother. We can learn several things about forgiveness from this letter.

1) Philemon had been forgiven of his sins and former way of life through Jesus, therefore he, and we, are to extend forgiveness to others. As Paul would write in Colossians 3:13, “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.”

2) Forgiveness is consistent with Christian character. Paul does not command Philemon, but appeals to him as a man of character. Philemon demonstrates the two great commandments in his everyday life.

3) Forgiveness builds up the church. In verse 11 Paul writes that Onesimus is useful to us both. How? As an opportunity to glorify God, refresh the saints, and build the church through forgiveness. Our decision to be obedient to God (or not) effects the body of Christ! Not to forgive can tear a church apart at the seams.

4) Forgiveness is greater than our desires. Paul says in verse 12 that Onesimus is, “his very heart.” Why does Paul send him back to Philemon anyway? Because reconciliation and forgiveness are that important to the body of Christ. More than anything Paul wants the church to experience the benefit of forgiveness.

5) Forgiveness is a reflection of the Gospel. God gives us what we did not earn at a great cost to himself. Paul asks Philemon to do the same as a demonstration of the Gospel to the church in Collase.

6) Forgiveness is the loving thing to do. Forgiveness is an act of love. The truth is, there is no love without forgiveness. According to verse 16, Paul wants Philemon not to simply begrudgingly accept Onesimus, but to receive him as a beloved brother.

These are six reasons why one should forgive. Next week we will examine what exactly forgiveness is.

Caleb Land is the director of the Gilmer Christian Learning Center in Ellijay, GA. You can find out more about the CLC at www.gilmerclc.org.