Paul tells Philemon that he thanks God for him and prays for him (v. 4). Just as Paul pleads Onesimus’ case to Philemon, moreso did Jesus, our mediator, do for us in front of God! Firstly, the utter transformation of Onesimus through God’s grace. But he didn’t. and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Authorship: There is little doubt that Paul wrote this epistle, since he refers to himself at least three times (in verses 1, 9 and 19). I am so glad I came upon your study of Philemon as I sought yo understand it better myself. LESSONS LEARNED FROM PHILEMON. “But the kids at school were all making fun of me!” Show them the humility of Christ. I love the way you set out the five questions. In part two, we will continue the dialogue with two other leaders in … It is the first book I’ve really studied and just like you said it is really inticing and precious to discover the Lord’s word like this! So does everything thing happen for a reason? Talk about respect: Respect is one of many lessons that are given in the book of Philemon. ( Log Out /  We must all learn to be humble. By Larry Olmsted. God can use ANYONE Of all the people that God could have used to bring so many people to Him, … In the letter, Paul references a man named Onesimus. But the Holy Spirit, for whatever reason, did not see fit to have them preserved throughout the ages. On the basis of honoring Paul's sufferings. Onesimus needed to know that, as did Philemon; being in a good situation allow us to slack off with our responsibilities as Christians. The second thing I learned is the analogy we can make between Onesimus, Paul and Philemon, with ourselves, Jesus and God. Elected officials, aspiring candidates and even political parties would be wise to heed lessons from savvy brand marketers in today’s digital age. We can have Christianity without modern church buildings. b. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Philemon 1:6-7 “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. Social status, spirituality, the type of work he now did, and his circle of friends and family changed. Thank -, A) WE LEARN HOW TO RESPOND TO SIN'S CONSEQUENCES -, Christians always have to do what is right, even facing Perhaps. But he does give them the easy option first. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalfduring my imprisonment for the gospel. We do not always get the full story, but we do get stories. Not for nothing are we expected to study the Torah not on our own but with a partner (known in Hebrew as a chavruta). Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Go To Philemon Index. The lesson combines the steps of thinking about what the passage is teaching and how students need to apply the truths from the passage. I speculate that he wasn’t as there seems to be a contention that was building between the slave and his master. 8:16-17), In this short, personal letter from Paul, we learn how The letter doesn’t specify which, or even technically if Onesimus was already converted. The first lesson is that the way you view others determines how you treat them. ), Philemon and Baucis had lived out their long lives nobly, but in poverty. What can we learn from roulette when it comes to entrepreneurship? 1. Will we know that reason? Do we care for the runaways like God does? The Biblical and Historical context of the Lord’s Supper. Paul writes this letter of reconciliation and sends it by the hand of Onesimus to Philemon so that he might accept him when he comes. A bad situation is not an excuse to not act as a Christian should. instruction on how to behave in a way that pleased God? The greatest lesson to learn from Philemon is the parallel between Onesimus and ourselves - like Onesimus, we are all runaways=> we have run away from God - we stand guilty of this "crime" and must face its consequences - It gave me a bit of a better understanding. This gives an interesting insight (to me at least) about Paul’s relationship with the Colossians. When he wrote his epistle to them, it is implied that the has not physically been in Colossi yet (ref. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. According to ancient Roman mythology and Ovid's Metamorphoses (8.631, 8.720. I have read through Philemon several times (that’s sounds like a lot more than it actually is, because it only has one chapter) and I think there are several things that we can learn from Paul’s letter to Philemon that we might miss if we just do a quick read over it, as I have done so many times in the past. understanding the Bible requires some theological degree. I seek to explore how we can be the best versions of ourselves and live our dream lives. From the message of those two epistles, we learn some great lessons. The lessons we can learn from sports fandom: There’s a reason why loyalty is especially fierce in one realm. This is the main consensus among scholars, though there have been some disputes. 5. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”(Colossians 3:17). (See what I did there?) the consequences of our own sinful actions, B) WE LEARN HOW TO RESOLVE SOCIETY'S INJUSTICES -, Christians need to be a quiet, steady leaven when faced Neither is a good one. There are whole books that are mentioned that have been lost to history. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”(II Timothy 3:16-17). Following along this line of reasoning, Paul was a super influential apostle who did so much to further the Kingdom, establishing churches almost everywhere he went. Amnon and Tamar: 6 lessons from an instance of rape. But he rather appeals to his brethren out of love, so that they might consider their error and return without hard feelings. Paul said that Onesimus’ departure happened for a greater reason- so that he might be saved!” At first glance it does seem to imply that, and it very well might be for that reason. This installment explores what the NFL learned and explains how individuals, schools, athletic teams and workplaces can apply some of those practices as the state lifts zone restrictions. hold past sins against people who have repented, The greatest lesson to learn from Philemon is the If Jesus or I can empty myself for others, so can you. In all that we do, in every situation that we find ourselves in, we are still Christians. In part one we discussed the background related to the industry momentum around going IPv6-only. Paul could have just commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back, or said that he was going to stay with him, and that would have been that. Just let God do his work, and us what we are called to do. We should proclaim it to everyone we know, regardless of social standing or prejudice. 4. If I can serve you to your benefit, Philemon, then you can serve others. Its canonicity was widely recognized in the early church, particularly by Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, Marcion, and in the Muratorian Canon. Philemon was a Christian, and he owned a slave. Is it the reasons I laid out above? Whether he was trying to drive the next point he was about to make or not, Paul definitely has some encouraging words for Philemon: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. LESSONS TO REMEMBER: 1. Once I read Philemon in a way to where I could read into the context and meaning behind it, I was enticed. Paul is appealing to Philemon to reconcile his servant, who had once been useless to him for reasons unstated, as no longer a servant, but more than that- a fellow brother. I have come to appreciate the book much more with this deeper reading. Don’t say, “I’ll pray for you” to sound spiritual, and then fail to pray. Yes, success isn’t something that is going to happen instantly, it takes time. Thanks you very much Walter, I had been enticed by the words and how you explained the book of Philemon. I relate that to what Paul is saying here. but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. ( Log Out /  The apostle Paul sets a marvelous example of one who approached a sensitive issue with tact and diplomacy. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. All of these are questions that will be left unanswered, at least for now. Paul apparently led Onesimus to Christ while they were together. This letter provides two lessons in particular when it comes to dealing with other people. 6. And this isn’t the only place in the bible where I want to know more. Period. 1. We are not allowed to use our situation as an excuse not to act as a Christian should act. If you wish your startup business had the odds of betting on red/black, odd/even, or … I have come up with five lessons that I think we can derive from this letter, though I am sure this list is not all inclusive. A wonderful, “meaty” study you present. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some key lessons business leaders can learn from the tech industry’s dominant players. And reconciled us with God the same way Paul hoped to do with Onesimus and Philemon! It is who we are, in all things, good or bad. I wanted to know more. But some of these stories come at a price, that price being that we don’t get the full story. This is not the only time Paul writes like this. It deals with a huge social and moral issue that existed in the first century, but it can serve as a primer for us today on how to solve our conflicts. The first point that I believe that we can draw from Philemon is that the gospel is truly for all, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. For an unknown number of years, Onesimus had been a bondservant in the house of an apparently influential Christian. Now if you think that the letter Paul writes to Philemon only deals with what Philemon should do or should have done, then I would encourage you to read it again. I thought about it for a little bit and replied “probably for the same reason song of Solomon is in the bible: because prominent people who had a deep connection with God wrote it.” Solomon’s wisdom came directly from a request of God, and though he might not have had the best relationship with him in the end, the connection at least at some point was definitely there. ourselves. The bible is beautiful, and when you get past the “read x number of chapters” to get my daily reading in (though this is helpful to form a habit of reading) you will be enticed. However, over the past day or so, I have been seriously reconsidering my stance on this. The very fact that Paul was sending Onesimus back shows that Onesimus probably shouldn’t have left in the first place, except it be for the Lord to work his salvation as we will note below. There are many lessons one can draw from his life, but perhaps the greatest is this: approachability. All these are questions that don’t really have clear answers from the text, but the main point I think is this: the gospel is for all. Hello Walter! Paul’s letter does not absolve Onesimus for leaving his master. Except to Onesimus, so it seems. understand because they haven't been to some religious school - they think ( Log Out /  I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. He just said it could be the reason. This is a lesson that is outside of the text of Philemon that I have had to learn the hard way over the past few years. “You owe me, even your own self” (v. 19). Paul praises Philemon at the opening of his letter for being such an inspiration to people. How did Philemon receive Paul’s letter? 5. It is the word of God, living and active, sharper than a two edged sword. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”(I Corinthians 12:12-13). The Lord’s church in the city of Thessalonica began when Paul and Silas preached there (Acts 17). And contrary to Paul who makes the promise of paying the debt owed, Jesus actually paid that price with his life! Thank you for your in depth sharing of the book of Philemon. Our situation should have no baring over what we say or do in the sense of allowing us to sin in the process. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Thank you for your insightful blog! At least he had a nice home, and it was believed it was large enough that the church had been held in his home. Explain that Paul was in prison when he wrote to Philemon, who was probably a Greek convert to the Church. Paul, the apostle and father to many churches in different places … Paul didn’t, though he speculated. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. What did he do that was considered “useful”? As Philemon practiced Christian hospitality, so should we. This is a lesson that is outside of the text … It offers some real substantive and practical lessons that "put a face on Introduce Philemon: Here is the back story of Mr. Philemon. Title: The title of this letter is the name of the addressee, taken from (verse 1). It is amazing. It is obvious that he is a leader and is doing things to advance the cause of Christ. We do not always get the full story, but we do get stories. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.). You. The final point is that at the core of this request to Philemon was a call to live out one’s relationships not by appeal to status, but with an eye to service. Period. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.”(Philemon 12-14). Change ). But I hope these five have helped you in some way. But notice what Paul prefaced it with: Perhaps. book? He taught Philemon the leader how to treat those who work for him, despite their failures. Christianity" What lessons can we learn from studying this little Here’s what I mean: “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”(Philemon 15-16). To really understand the letter that Paul wrote to Philemon, you need to know the background and context in which Paul is writing. Paul’s like, “I’ll repay anything he has cost you, (even though you owe me your very life… but I digress).” The point is, even in correction, we should do everything out of love. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”(Philemon 10-16). – $12 July 13, 2016 July 13, 2016 $12 codes , 40% off codes , Academics Udemy … Paul mentions that if Onesimus did anything wrong or owes him anything, Paul would repay it. Onesimus was a slave that had ran away from Philemon and… Paul does something really interesting at the beginning of this letter in the way that he presents his case to Philemon. I’ve gone through a few websites but find yours to be clear and concise. Later it was blessed to receive two inspired letters from Paul (1 and 2 Thessalonians). And I think that is the best we are going to get. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 4 Lessons from the story of Naaman and Elisha. Look out for one another. It seems that in all his teaching and encouraging of the saints, Philemon either never tried to teach Onesimus or Onesimus simply wasn’t willing to listen to his master’s teaching. Consider what he says here: “I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. Did he have to wait until he met Paul to hear the good news of Christ? Col. 2:1), but this letter, written by Paul as an old man, implies a strong relationship with the church, such that Paul had now been there at least once, probably more. ( Log Out /  “Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.”(Philemon 8-11). a. Slavery has evil roots, but Paul didn’t address its injustice. with social injustice, C) WE LEARN HOW TO RECEIVE SELFISH RUNAWAYS -, The gospel is a message of second chances, and doesn't But even if everything does happen for a reason (I suppose that reason could be good or bad), I don’t think we will really know what that reason is. Are there more reasons? And most of all, G-d is in favour of cooperation. Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—, I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.”. He’s like “I could command you… but I don’t want to.” Later he even adds this: “So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. I am currently doing A Diploma in Theology and often read through other websites for different opinions. The reason for Onesimus’ departure from Philemon is unknown, but it was not on good terms, as we will see later. Paul, as we saw, did not hesitate to open up to him on one of the most delicate issues of the day—slavery—but he did so in the confidence that Philemon would respond positively to his loving appeal. Ah, the age old question: do you think everything happens for a reason? Perhaps. 2. That implies to me that Paul didn’t know if this was for sure the reason that Onesimus left, on a grand scale. become complacent to the Bible because they struggle with how to make practical of unbelievers - indicates many saints are not spending much private time in Do certain things happen for a reason? Early Christians often assembled for worship in their homes. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This sermon discusses 8 lessons from Philemon that can help improve our ability to get along with others. In all the time that Onesimus spent with Philemon, was he not taught the gospel? As to its purpose beyond its authorship, I didn’t think much more. By God’s grace and love, this man became a new creation , in every aspect! For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”. Philemon seems to have been a leader in the church at Colossi, having a church that met in his home. As noted, this letter is written towards the end of Paul’s life as he is a prisoner in Rome. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Rom. We are going to begin this morning a study of a brand new book in the New Testament, the book of Philemon, and I want you to turn to it. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) The subject of the letter is a run away slave named Onesimus who has run into Paul as he is in prison and been converted to the Christian faith (full disclosure, all the details are not listed in the book of Philemon, so we don’t know that this is exactly what happened, but we can infer from the text. Again, be careful to be genuine about this! “But he/she hates me and does things to make my life miserable!” Show him/her the love of Christ. G-d wants us to learn how to deal with a world in which crises often crop up in our lives. Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods, had heard of the virtuous couple, but based on all his previous experiences with humans, he had serious doubts as to their goodness. perceive it to be a book which addresses doctrinal issues they are unable to How did Onesimus get to Paul? PHILEMON. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”. If you don’t believe me, I would encourage you to read it more deeply than you have before. New York Daily News | Feb 04, 2021 at 5:00 AM . As we have seen over the past couple of days, Paul is not afraid to be very bold and blunt with people he loves if they will not repent after he is nice about it. Four lessons 49ers can learn from Chiefs, Bucs to return to Super Bowl One year ago, the 49ers were in Miami looking to cap off a dominant season with a … He is believed to be a wealthy man who Paul had at some point saved, whether this reference was to the salvation of his soul (as I believe it probably was) or physically. What we do have preserved we can rest assured is what He did see fit for us to have, and that are sufficient to all life and godliness. He had that authority. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalfduring my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. I’ve learned two major things from this book. Certainly. The bible is full of really interesting and cool stories. Paul tells Philemon “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers” (v.4). This is a man who was once a useless slave but now everything about him changed! Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. Here are 11 things that we can learn from the Apostle Paul. parallel between Onesimus and ourselves -, Onesimus no longer just a slave to Philemon, but now a So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. The little book of Philemon provides powerful lessons governing human relationships. The message is contained in the apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon and the issue of that day was slavery. 8:28), but don’t get hung up on figuring out the reason everything happens. In verses 9c and 13b, Paul reminds Philemon that he is suffering in prison for the sake of the gospel even as he writes this appeal. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. Success takes time. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. On the basis of Paul's spiritual fatherhood of Onesimus (verse 10). One of the first lessons we learn in our relationship with each other is the place of intercessory prayers for each other (James 5:16). Did Paul ever get to visit Philemon and the church in his home after the letter was delivered? My friends who are convinced that everything happens for a reason would be quick to jump on this verse and say “See, look! Paul was asking for a favor from Philemon. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.”. Paul had a reputation as doing such, even preaching to the guards who were chained to him when he was under arrest (for there is mention of believers in Caesar’s court… how do you think that happened?). If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 2. Invite students to look for a truth as they study Paul’s Epistle to Philemon that can guide them in their interactions with fellow Church members. So, logically, if Paul wrote it, it was probably considered pretty important. I imagine that even his physical appearance changed, maybe Philemon didn’t even recognize him. brother -, now we are "joint heirs" with Christ (Rom. Choir Director, Educator, Conductor. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”(Philemon 4-7). Undoubtedly. Be sure that he does work his providence in our lives (ref. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.”(Philemon 17-19). Philemon and slavery. PHILEMON LESSON 1 The letter from Paul to Philemon was of a very personal nature. If I tell someone that I will pray for him, I usually stop and do it as soon as I can, so that I don’t forget. Philemon was a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colossae. I think we can look to this as an example to follow before we just jump on people’s back at the first sight of wrongdoing. 2. Take a customer-first approach. 3. “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten” (v. 10).