Theme – The Price has been Paid based on Philemon 18 – 25
Background
Within any society, to one degree or another, when we make mistakes we have to pay for them in various ways. Within the Christian narrative as we have moved from Christmas to Easter and Pentecost we think again about the mystery of our faith and how through the life death and resurrection of Jesus we can and are forgiven of all our sins as we confess them, repent and seek to live a daily life of holiness and discipleship.
A Price has Been Paid
In our own lives and within church and society we may pay a heavy price for any misdemeanours we have done. However, we can also find restoration and forgiveness and become useful citizens again on earth and before heaven.
We do not know exactly the wealth of Paul but he must have been a man of certain means for he was able to hire a house during his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28: 30) and no doubt could have lived quite comfortably on his own. (Verse 18)
A Mutual Exchange
Paul had a sense of humour and it showed in Verses 19 – 20 where he is basically saying: “Philemon, you got a lot out of me – let me get something out of you now!” Paul had high hopes and expectations from those he lived and ministered to and wanted his heart refreshed in Christ.
In the timing, tone and manner of this lovely letter Paul would not doubt that Philemon would grant his request and favour for Onesimus. It is a good principal in life that in expecting the best from people we are half way from realising it from them. If we make it known to people that we only expect a little, it is almost certain that is what we will experience.
Fellow Workers for Christ
In closing his letter, Paul is upbeat and refers to his fellow prisoner Epaphras in Christ as well as Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke as fellow-workers. Paul hopes that he might be able to visit then at some point and expresses a beautiful prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with them and their spirit, (Verses 23 -25).
Around fifty years on from Paul’s writing Ignatius of Antioch, one of the great Christian martyrs, is being executed in Rome and in his last writing refers to Onesimus as ‘a man of inexpressible love and your bishop’
Here is a photo of Curetes Street in Ephesus Thank you logos.com
How wonderful that Onesimus, as a runaway slave, has been associated (not fully proven) as the renowned Bishop of Ephesus and it represents a lovely testimony of God at work in radically transforming a person’s life.
The difference Christ has made to society
At some point we may ask how such a short letter was accepted into the New Testament, for it does not relate to any big doctrinal issues or seek to arrest any heresy.
Many of Paul’s first letters were written at Ephesus around the time Onesimus was associated with being the Bishop of Ephesus. Therefore he may have insisted that the letter be included for all to know what the grace of God had done for him through the love and patience of Paul and the redeeming work of Christ.
As we have noted, Paul in many of his writings, does not give particular guidance in respect to the practise of slavery. He does not condemn or condone slavery, on which the ancient world was built.
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Any sense of revolt or emancipation by slaves connected with Christianity would have caused a lot of trouble but his writings have laid a basis upon which slavery eventually was changed. However, as we are sadly aware even today slavery exists in many modern and unchallenged forms.
Questions to consider
1) Think about what it is to be forgiven of that which offends a Holy God? Why is it that so often we do not forgive ourselves or others even when God has forgiven us?
2) What price are we willing to pay in supporting people, just like Paul did for Onesimus? What costs are involved in giving up worldly beliefs and lifestyles to embrace the Christian faith? Also how costly is it to show love and pastoral care to those within our family, church and community compared to Jesus who paid a heavy price with his life!
3) Paul had high expectations from Philemon and his actions fulfilled them. What do you think about the principal in life of expecting the best and most realistic actions from people and seeing them respond accordingly? This compares to an opposite view of expecting unrealistic and low actions from people which in most cases is what we will witness?
4) Think about those you have worked with over the years. Remember those who seemed useless and have become very successful and those who seemed to have made it in life but ended up in very difficult circumstances. Paul worked with many believers and none believers and witnessed their various life experiences. How amazing that Onesimus, who was once useless, went on be, traditionally known as the influential Bishop of Ephesus.
5) Consider for a moment how Christianity has influenced and changed the beliefs and cultures of many nations over thousands of years. In an increasingly secular society that we live in, how can Christians continue to be influential in change and spiritual renewal for today and tomorrow?
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship
Graham
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