Some of us may have heard stories of those who have employed people to be helpers in the home. There are both pleasant and ‘horror’ stories. We regularly read of helpers who have contributed greatly and developed close bonds with the employer’s family.
It is not uncommon to hear of incidents like the stealing money or food from employers, staying out beyond the stipulated timings on their off days, not following instructions properly, refusing to work and just wanting to return to their homeland, or even running away from their employers because of something they have done wrong or been ill-treated. For many of such situations, the employers will usually request a replacement helper from the agencies and in most cases, relationships are soured.
One question which we can ask is: If a Christian employer or Christian helper is in such a situation, what should he or she do that is pleasing to the Lord? God has provided a beautiful example of love and forgiveness in Paul’s inspired letter to Philemon. Although we may not be in a master-slave relationship currently, nevertheless Paul’s letter to Philemon holds lessons for us in brotherly love. We will be able to get a glimpse of Paul’s strategy in handling a difficult situation involving two Christians.
Paul’s Praise of Philemon
The first thing Paul did was to praise Philemon. Paul began his letter to Philemon by acknowledging that he was beloved of Paul (Philemon 1:1). He also said that Philemon was a fellow labourer together with him and Timothy. This spoke of a close relationship Paul had with Philemon. Paul also sent greetings likely to his family members (Philemon 1:2) and the church which met in their house. Consider this. When you receive a letter written from someone close to you, who not only uses terms of endearment on you, but also sends love and greetings to your immediate family, wouldn’t you be happy reading it?
Paul described himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, meaning that He is subject to Christ in all things (Philemon 1:1). By saying that Philemon was his fellow labourer, Paul would also be saying that Philemon would be of the same mind as Paul in following after Christ and desiring to be Christ-like. This would probably help pave the way for Paul in his plea to Philemon subsequently with regards to the treatment of Onesimus. Philemon would be expected to be like Paul in being subjected to and centered in Christ.
Paul also affirmed Philemon by thanking God for Philemon and always kept him in his prayers (Philemon 1:4). He wrote of hearing Philemon’s love and faith toward the Lord (Philemon 1:5a). This showed that Philemon not only had faith but he also had works to show his faith because Paul was able to hear of it. We must remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Can you imagine that even in prison, Paul had word brought to him about Philemon’s love and good works? This spoke so well of Philemon’s efforts and labour as a Christian.
Paul also heard of Philemon’s love toward all saints (Philemon 1:5b). Philemon did not claim to love Christ and not do anything. His love for Christ propelled him to follow what Christ did and to demonstrate his love to all saints subsequently. This was indeed faith in action. Notice that the Greek word used in Philemon 1:5, 7 is “agape”, Philemon had such agape love.
Philemon was an encouragement to Paul and to brethren (Philemon 1:7). Paul said that he and Timothy had great joy and comfort in Philemon’s example of love. We need to remember that Paul was in prison at the point of writing, and hearing of Philemon’s labour of love would have brought great joy, comfort and encouragement to Paul. Paul also said that brethren experienced joy and benefited from Philemon’s agape love. The hearts of saints were refreshed by Philemon’s love, and people were encouraged by Philemon.
Paul’s Plea to Philemon
Paul demonstrated his brotherly love for Philemon. He did not use his apostolic authority to make a request to Philemon with regards to Onesimus (Philemon 1:8). Instead, Paul showed respect and love for Philemon by pleading with him (Philemon 1:9). Paul did not overstep his boundaries nor keep Onesimus with him. Instead he sent him back to Philemon (Philemon 1:12-15). He also indicated that he had forgiven whatever debt owed to him by Philemon (Philemon 1:19).
Besides Philemon, we are able to see of Paul’s brotherly love for Onesimus. Onesimus seemed to have been converted by Paul (Philemon 1:10). Although he was a runaway servant and unprofitable to Philemon, Onesimus would be profitable to Paul and Philemon now that he was a Christian (Philemon 1:11). He pleaded with Philemon to be merciful to Onesimus, especially now that Onesimus was a brother in Christ. Paul beseeched Philemon to receive Onesimus as how he would receive Paul if Paul went to him (Philemon 1:17). To top it all, Paul was willing to pay for anything that Onesimus may have owed Philemon (Philemon 1:18). He was willing to pay Onesimus’s debt. There was sacrifice on Paul’s part. Christ sacrificed Himself and paid the debt of sin for us. Are we willing to go the extra mile for brethren?
Paul’s Positivity of Philemon
Paul wrote that he had confidence in Philemon’s obedience, telling us that he was a faithful Christian (Philemon 1:21). He also indicated his confidence that Philemon would go beyond what he had to do and give his best. Paul trusted in his own prayers and that of Philemon’s, thus looked forward to seeing Philemon (Philemon 1:22). This showed that Philemon was a righteous man for Paul to have the confidence in him, because the prayers of a righteous man avail much (James 5:16).
Our Learning
Below are some concluding thoughts and applications for us to consider:
We must put our faith in God into action (James 2:14-18).
Be light to the world (Matthew 5:16) instead of being a discourager. Philemon’s love and faith were an encouragement for all. We should not belittle the encouragement and joy we can bring others through our works of faith and love.
Do not settle for the bare minimum in our service to the Lord and to others (Ephesians 2:8-10).
We must forgive others of their trespassers as much as Jesus forgave us of them (Ephesians 4:32).
Show brotherly love and concern to our brethren (Galatians 6:10). Go the extra mile for brethren like how Paul did for Onesimus.
We can be mediators between brethren like how Paul spoke up for Onesimus.
Behave as how a Christian should so that anyone can have the confidence and assurance in me that I will give of my best.
Paul and Philemon are good examples of Christians who demonstrated brotherly love. Let us continue to look towards the scriptures for solutions to our life and situations, knowing that God’s word is a lamp and guide to us (Psalm 119:105).
Ask Myself:
How do we know Philemon was a Christian who laboured with love?
Who was Onesimus?
What are some qualities one need to have to be a mediator and to plead on someone else’s behalf?
What can I do to encourage and show love to those who have offended me or those who have returned to the Lord?
Answers:
Philemon was a fellow labourer (Phm 1:1). Paul heard of his love and faith toward Jesus and all saints (Phm 1:5). Brethren are encouraged by Philemon (Phm 1:7). Paul had confidence in Philemon’s obedience (Phm 1:21).
He was a runaway slave of Philemon (Phm 1:15), most likely converted by Paul (Phm 1:10) and now a beloved brother to Paul and would be to Philemon (Phm 1:16).
You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.