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This one chapter book was written to Philemon. Paul was the immediate author, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master Philemon. However, the heart of Onesimus had been touched by the gospel and the heart of Paul had been touched by Onesimus. Because of these events, Paul wrote to Philemon, "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart." (Philemon 1.10-12).

The terms that Paul used in connection with Onesimus are truly amazing. Note that Paul referred to Onesimus as "my son" and as the one whom he had "begotten while in my chains." The kinship between Paul and this convert was obviously a spiritual kinship and not a blood relationship. His reference to Onesimus as son was similar to the way he addressed Timothy. Concerning the young evangelist Timothy, Paul wrote, "To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Timothy 1.2). Paul’s love for Onesimus was similar to the love he had for Timothy. And, why shouldn’t he love him? After all he had converted him while a Roman prisoner and, as such, Onesimus was proof of God’s providential watch-care over the beloved apostle.

Perhaps even more amazing was the way Paul interceded on Onesimus’ behalf. He could have acted like the Priest and Levite who passed by on the other side of the road when they saw the beaten and wounded man. However, such was not consistent with Paul’s character and his compassionate heart. After all, it was compassionate zeal that propelled him to the forefront of the persecutors of Christians and it was compassionate zeal that prompted him to come to the aid of Onesimus. But this was more than a passing friendship; Paul’s spiritual son had won his heart and this not just in theory; Onesimus had proven profitable to Paul in his day to day work as a minister and apostle. For this and other reasons, he called him "my son."

Note Paul’s instructions to Philemon regarding Onesimus: "You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart." This forthright affirmation of affection is unsurpassed any where and by any one. Paul’s affection and concern for Onesimus was obvious! "Receive him as my own heart!" Nowhere does any argument for love surpass the openly demonstrated love which Paul had for Onesimus; love translated to action! For Paul, this was not a show; rather, it was His heart.

The type and strength of love which Paul had for Onesimus should be typical of the love that is shared between brethren. However, this writer’s observations regarding Christians and their relationships with one another falls far short of this model. Rather than loving concern, all too often we find apathy and sometimes, outright disdain! Something was present with Paul that is all too frequently missing among believers.

What a blessing to know the type of love which Paul had for Onesimus!

Questions:

1. Who was Onesimus?

2. Who was Philemon?

3. What events occasioned this letter from Paul to Philemon?

4. What did Paul mean when he spoke of Onesimus as his son? What did he mean when he said he had begotten Onesimus while in chains?

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Watching Your Dollars Fly Away