Philemon 1:4-7

Philemon’s Character
Notice the good character of the recipient of this epistle.  He makes the apostle Paul thankful to God (v 4).  Philemon is a man of faith toward God which means that is also a man of love toward the saints (v3-5).  The man’s love for his fellow believers is evident because he refreshes the hearts of the saints, from which, Paul takes joy and comfort (v7). 

We see much goodness within Philemon, but that goodness is not innate.  The goodness we read about comes from the good which Jesus placed in this man from Colossae.  Paul prays that as Philemon continues his practice of goodness, that Christ is credited with Philemon’s goodness (v6).
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Implication
There is none righteous (Romans 3:10).  Saints become righteous only because the righteousness of Jesus Christ gets accredited to them.  As we live for Christ, it is vital to walk humbly because the only good we have dwelling within us comes from the Lord Jesus (Romans 7:18).  We can take no credit for anything we do for the Lord.  He is the vine, and we are His branches.  Without Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal goodness (John 15:5).  May we, like Paul prays for Philemon, make our faith evident through good works, knowing fully that it is not us doing the work but the Lord doing it through us. 

Philemon 1:1-3
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Grace and Peace
Opening his epistle, Paul greets his friend and brother in Christ, Philemon. Within the greeting, it is clear that Paul has great love for his friend and those who are a part of the Church which met at Philemon’s home. We know this because Paul sends grace and peace to these believers.

Grace
Grace is favor. It is extended from one person to another out of love. God gives His grace to mankind in many varied ways. God’s grace is the physical life He gives to us, provision for our needs. His favor can be seen in health, good friends, and simple pleasures.

The greatest act of grace God sheds upon people was the redemption provided through Christ. Jesus lived a sinless life for us, died to pay the penalty for our sin, and rose again to give new life to those who believe in Him. God promised that anyone who came to Jesus requesting salvation would receive the gracious gift of eternal life.

Peace
Peace is rest. God establishes that His creation take periodic rest. Daytime ceases and nighttime begins. Man, animals, and plants have seasons of sleep or dormancy. The seasons cycle, allowing each time of year to cease for a time.

God offers a greater rest for mankind. He calls each person to rest from their weariness of sin’s burden and take respite on His mercy which comes through His Son, Jesus. This  is a ceasing of trying to be good on our own and depending upon Jesus for our righteousness. This great rest comes the moment a person calls upon Christ for salvation.

In his letter to Philemon, Paul does not wish that Philemon and people of His church take rest. This is because they have already found grace and rest which comes through Jesus Christ. Since they presently have God’s grace and peace, Paul greets them with the desire that they enjoy these wonderful gifts from God. The apostle wants his readers to grow in their understanding of the salvation they have in Christ and to just keep resting in the Lord.

Implication
Those who call upon Christ for rest from sin receive forgiveness. Those who have called upon Christ only now need to stay at rest in Him. They can keep resting because Christ has finished all the work to secure their place in heaven.

Questions to Ask Yourself.
1. Have I received God’s grace and peace?
2. If I have God’s grace and peace, am I enjoying them?

Meditations on the Epistle to Philemon
Introduction

In first century Roman culture, slavery was common. From a legal standpoint, slaves were at a great disadvantage. They were not considered to be human and were not afforded the decency of humane treatment. In fact, slave owners were allowed to treat their slaves as kindly or cruelly as they desired[1]. It was not illegal, in this Roman society, for slave owners to take the lives of their slaves. Committing an act of disobedience such as running away from one’s master could certainly merit harsh punishment.

Philemon tells the account of a runaway slave, named Onesimus. This runaway, through God’s sovereignty, makes his way to Rome and crosses paths with the apostle Paul. Once described as an unprofitable servant, Onesimus hears the gospel of Jesus Christ and becomes a believer through the apostle’s ministry (Philemon 1:10, 11). The unprofitable slave is changed into a useful minister for the Lord.

Onesimus and Philemon now share Christ as their personal Savior. They also hold in common the fact that both were led to Jesus by the same person, the apostle Paul (Philemon 1:19). Having a previous relationship with Philemon, Paul writes to the slave owner to report the news about Onesimus. In the epistle, Paul appeals to Philemon to accept back the runaway slave (Philemon 1:17).

The gospel presents great change, many of which can be seen with the epistle to Philemon. There is the heart change taking place within both Philemon and his slave, Onesimus. Along with the gift of forgiveness now given through Christ, master and slave experience heart change. As new creations in the Lord, Philemon and Onesimus are challenged to treat one another as Christian brothers. Philemon is challenged to accept his returning slave with grace and forgiveness. Onesimus holds the responsibility of facing his master and serving him as he would serve the Lord.

Pastor Randy Weddle,
​Creation Anew


[1]  (Johnson 1889)