Sept 12, 2005

Paul wrote this letter to his friend, Philemon. Although the Scriptures do not tell us how Paul and Philemon met, it does tell us that Philemon became a follower of Jesus Christ through Paul’s ministry. According to the custom in those days, Philemon opened his home to fellow believers to provide a place for corporate worship. Many commentators believe that Philemon served as the pastor to this group of believers.

In verses 4 through 7 and verses 20 and 21, Paul revealed a great deal about Philemon’s character. Philemon’s hospitality toward his fellow believers obviously extended beyond the norm. Paul commends him for it and relies on Philemon’s tenderness for all saints to pave the way for the request he made on Onesimus’ behalf.

Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, robbed him and fled to Rome. Again, the Scriptures omit the circumstance of their meeting, but Onesimus encountered Paul. Like his master, Onesimus understood and received salvation through Paul’s words. Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him, but refused to do so without Philemon’s knowledge and permission.

When Paul led someone to the Lord, he considered that person his spiritual child. Like a godly father, he bore the responsibility of their spiritual welfare. In all of Paul’s letters, we find evidence of his parental guidance, instruction, and even discipline when necessary. Both Philemon and Onesimus held the position of Paul’s spiritual sons. He wanted Philemon to receive his slave as a brother.

It is noteworthy that Paul didn’t condemn slavery. Slavery in Biblical times was an intricate part of society. Many reasons for slavery existed. One common cause: instead of declaring bankruptcy as is the custom of our society, men who found themselves in financial ruin sold themselves as slaves and worked off their indebtedness. Nevertheless, Paul’s message had the potential to abolish slavery wherever heeded. It is not possible to treat a brother as a slave.

In order for Philemon to embrace Onesimus as a brother instead of a slave, Paul had to intercede. The elderly apostle began his plea by telling Philemon that he prays continually for him, giving thanks for his faithfulness to the Lord and to believers.

Paul’s appeal on the behalf of Onesimus pictures Jesus Christ:

Instead of demanding obedience, Paul restrained his authority over Philemon. Paul realized that if Philemon responded out of obligation, he would have forfeited all the blessings that accompany gracious obedience. When difficult circumstances demand our attention, Jesus gives us the freedom of choice. He never imposes His desires on us, but encourages us to do what is right because He wants us to receive the fullness of His blessings.

Paul understood the tyranny of slavery. As a prisoner of the Roman government, he bore his chains with peace, dignity, and joy. Because he considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ, Paul considered it a privilege to suffer and an honor to preach to all who would listen. Jesus bore the cross not as an obligation, but as a privilege to bring glory to the Father, God Almighty and to bring us to Him.

Paul regarded those he brought to the Lord as his spiritual children whom he loved dearly. Similar to Paul’s intercession for Onesimus, Jesus stands before God continually interceding on our behalf. He reminds the Almighty God that we are His beloved children. Jesus begot us while hanging on a cross.

Theologians assume that before fleeing to Rome, Onesimus robbed Philemon. By writing the letter in his own hand, Paul guaranteed to repay the debt. No questions asked. But, Paul reminded Philemon of his indebtedness to him. By Jesus’ selfless work on the cross, He guarantees to pay our indebtedness in full. We had no means of freeing ourselves from the bondage of sin. And we are incapable of repaying Him.

As the intercessor, Jesus holds the position of our High Priest. Before His death and resurrection, Aaron and his descendants served the Hebrew children as their high priests. They interceded with animal sacrifices continually to atone for their own sins and the sins for the people. Once a year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies and the presence of God to offer the blood of the lamb. However, the blood of animals could not remove their sins (Hebrews 10:4). It only served as a covering. God alone could provide a Lamb whose blood effectually removes sin.

The Aaronic high priest fell short in comparison to Jesus Christ on two accounts. (1) He sinned. The animal sacrifices atoned for his sin as well as the people whom he served. (2) He served only as long as God allotted him time on this earth.

Jesus, the Son of God, never knew sin, yet became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He didn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sin. He offered Himself as the Lamb of God to atone for everyone’s sin. One Lamb, One Sacrifice, one time for all sin according to God’s plan from before time began. Although Jesus suffered an excruciating physical death, He lives. It was impossible for death to keep Life just as it is impossible for darkness to overpower light. Because He lives, Jesus stands before the throne of Almighty God interceding for you and me.

Perhaps Paul lived to intercede for others because he was the benefactor of intercessory prayer. Acts 8:1-3 reveals the former man, Saul of Tarsus who, as mentioned before, became Paul after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul lived a notorious life persecuting Christians. Backing up to Acts 7:54-60, we find him watching the first martyr in the Christian church. Stephen preached the gospel to an angry crowd. They forced him out of the city and stoned him. As the stones ripped his flesh and crushed his bones, Stephen "kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" Acts 7:60a.

When we grow weary of interceding for those who never seem to change, let’s remember Stephen. He never knew the profitable Paul. However, God saw the potential and prompted the first martyr to intercede for his enemy.

Intercession is our responsibility. First Peter 2:5 says, "You also, like living stones, are being built into spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (NIV)." Like the apostle Paul, we are indebted first to Jesus Christ and second to those who interceded for us. We show our gratitude by interceding for others.

Tammy Womer, Melinda Walter, Jordan Pollock, Hurricane Victims, Joey Benner, Gene Haines, Phyllis Herman, our Monday Bible Study, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.

Reread Philemon. Next week, we will examine Onesimus, accountability as a follower of Jesus, and the difficulty in seeking forgiveness.

If you’d like to be a part of the holy priesthood offered through faith in Jesus Christ, confess your sins to Him, ask for His forgiveness, and trust that He will do everything He says He will do. Jesus already paid the price to set you free and offers it as a gift to you. All you have to do is receive it through faith. If you’ve made a decision for Christ, we’d love to correspond with you as our brother or sister in Christ. We are interceding for you in prayer as Jesus intercedes for you before the throne of God.

If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please join us Monday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 at 109 West Market Street, Freeburg, PA. You are welcome to call 374-1363 with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or contact us with at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org.

May God bless you as you intercede for others,

Brenda Hendricks.

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