Philemon

The epistle to Philemon is the last of Paul’s letters in the New Testament. Matthew Henry notes that it is incredible such a small letter was preserved throughout the ages and was ultimately included in the canon of Scripture.

This epistle addresses the broken relationship between a master (Philemon) and his slave (Onesimus). According to tradition, it is believed that Onesimus stole property from Philemon and ran from Colossae (where Philemon lived) to Rome. Upon entering Rome, providence led him to hear the apostle Paul’s preaching by which he was converted.

The interactions between Paul, Onesimus and Philemon resemble the mediation and intercession of Christ to the Father on behalf of believers. Paul intercedes for Onesimus, whom he calls his child (v.10) and asks Philemon to receive his runaway slave as a brother (v.16). Furthermore, Paul offers to repay any outstanding debt Onesimus owes (v.18). In this connection, Paul finds it necessary that Philemon receives Onesimus out of goodness and not compulsion (v.14).

Paul's willingness to pay for Onesimus' debt mirrors Christ's willingness to bear the wages of his people's sins on the cross. Moreover, the gospel does not portray the Father as reluctantly forgiving and loving those whom Jesus died for. Jesus declares, “and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God” (John 16:26-27), indicating the believer’s relationship with the Father is truly reconciled, thus allowing him to approach the throne of grace with confidence in times of need (Heb. 4:16). The story of Philemon is analogous to the story of redemption; a servant who transgresses the law and deserves punishment is shown mercy and grace by the one offended through the mediation of another who is willing to repay the debt. Praise be to God!