Paul Pleads Personally

Paul pleads personally with Philemon on behalf of his run away slave. At the same time, he also writes to the church in Philemon’s home.

We are not told how Paul and Onesimus met in Rome, but a strong bond developed. One that prompted Onesimus to actually return to his master. But Onesimus and Philemon’s issue isn’t the only one Paul addresses while in chains. We will see beyond Colossians the next time. Let’s rejoin Paul in Rome as he has an impact, even while in chains.

Holy Spirit, show me how this story unfolds. Share the struggle and strength with me as I read Your words. Direct my attention to the things You want me to see. Let me feel the depth of this story.

♥ ♦ ♥

Paul is never without someone near him. If not one of his friends, then a guard. Timothy is his ever present scribe. Paul’s eyesight makes it difficult to read the print on the page, and when he writes, he makes his letters large enough that he can see them; thereby using a LOT of writing materials. Timothy’s presence allows Paul to keep in touch with the churches and the events happening in them.

This constant traffic does NOT mean that Paul is never lonely. He longs for the day when he can reach out personally to the churches that have buoyed him for so long. His desire is to be set free from these chains, but he is exactly where God wants him to be.

Today, John Mark brings a new visitor with him.

“Brother Paul, this is Onesimus.”

“Shalom Onesimus. How do you know Mark?”

“We have been talking together for the last week after he helped me with… and issue in the market the other day.”

Mark nods along to Onesimus’ explanation. “I have been telling him about Jesus. He is very interested and I thought I could bring him to you. He is looking for employment as well as instruction.”

Paul considers this situation. “I can always use someone to run for me, as I am not allowed out of the house” Paul says with a smile.

“I am an excellent ‘runner’. I would gladly trade my services in order to hear more about the Lord.”

“You don’t need to ‘pay’ for teaching. I give it freely and without cost, just as it was given to me. I will pay you for your services as runner.”

Onesimus is grateful for this arrangement and moves into the home with Paul. Onesimus knows he is taking his life in his hands, as Paul is NEVER without a Roman guard chained to him. If it is ever discovered that he is a runaway slave, there could be serious consequences.

For weeks, Paul teaches Onesimus about Jesus. Onesimus’ own fear has to be broken through before he can accept God’s love for him. As a slave, he has known hardship most of his life. It is hard to believe that there is a God who loves him and wants what is best for him.

“My son” Paul says while looking deep into Onesimus’ eyes. “I am the most vile of men. I KILLED those who followed Jesus. Yet He welcomes me with open arms and a purpose beyond anything I could have imagined.”

“But you don’t know my sin” Onesimus says with tears filling his eyes. “I can’t even say what it is without risking my life.”

“You are safe here” Paul tells him.

Onesimus looks at Paul’s chain and the Roman soldier on the other end of it. He quietly shakes his head.

Paul follows Onesimus’ eyes. He already knows that Onesimus is a runaway slave, but has said nothing. Paul takes Onesimus’ hands in his own. Onesimus’ hands dwarf Paul’s.

“You are truly safe here. My guards have all come to accept the Lord as well. They have pledged their faith and promised to discuss nothing said within these walls, other than to share the gospel they have received.”

“Are you certain” whispers Onesimus.

“I am” replies Paul while the soldier attached to him nods his head.

“I ran from my master” Onesimus says with a sob. “I’m terrified that someone will find me, drag me back, and I will be killed.”

“I understand fear” Paul says. “Do you want to go back?”

“After hearing the gospel, I understand that I am to submit to authority. I don’t know what the Lord would have me do.”

“Tell me of your master.”

“His name is Philemon and he lives in Colossae…”

Paul smiles and this causes Onesimus to stop in mid-sentence.”

“Why are you smiling?” Onesimus asks with a scowl on his face.

“I’m sorry brother. It is just that I happen to know Philemon. He hosts one of the churches in his home. I believe I may be able to help you with your troubles.”

Onesimus’ eyes widen and the first smile Paul has seen from him in weeks appears. It is a small smile, but it holds a little hope. “How? What can you do from here?”

“I will write to him and you personally will carry my letter.”

The smile begins to fade. “But what if…”

“Don’t worry my son. You will not go alone. Not only will I send one of the brothers with you, but the Lord Himself will walk by your side. You need to trust the Lord to bring about what is best.”

“What if I don’t like ‘what is best’?”

“Then you will be as I am; a servant for the Lord. We are in His hands.”

“Alright. I will have faith. And you will pray for me?”

“Of course I will. Never doubt that.”

Paul begins two letters this evening. He has been meaning to write to the Colossian church for a while. This is as good a time as any. He calls for Timothy and begins the task.

“I want to address Philemon first. This way, Onesimus will know his standing right away.”

Timothy sets out his supplies and Onesimus listens from a corner of the room.

This letter is a formal request, so Paul starts it like any other letter; with a formal greeting.

“Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

“To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1-3).

A little ‘buttering up’ never hurts. Paul knows this well. And it is a good way to soften any blow.

“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. 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).

Paul knows that for Onesimus to be truly safe, the decision to forgive him and welcome him home has to come from Philemon’s own heart. Paul could demand he do this, but then it would be done under compunction; not a true gift from Philemon.

“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. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 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. 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 8-16).

Onesimus smiles as he hears Paul’s words. “Oh, to be welcomed back as a ‘brother’ instead of a ‘bondservant’. That would be more than I would ever ask or think.

Paul turns his plea slightly. He is asking Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul. He is standing in the place of Onesimus.

“So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ” (Philemon 17-20).

Paul does not entertain even the smallest of doubts as to Philemon’s acceptance of his request. Paul speaks boldly in faith regarding what is to come.

“Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you” (Philemon 21-22).

This last portion holds Paul’s hope as well. He would be overjoyed to be free again; in body. NOTHING binds his spirit!

It’s time to close the letter.

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Philemon 23-25).

Onesimus has tears of joy running down his face. He believes that, not only will he be safe, but he will be used by the Lord wherever he is placed.

Paul now turns his attention to the whole church. Even though Paul did not establish this church body himself, he feels responsible for their growth. Epaphras, one of his own ‘children in Christ’ took the message to the people of Colossae. Paul also receives regular reports of the church’s health; most of them glowing with good news.

Paul opens this letter as a general greeting to the church, not identifying any particular person. Paul confirms to them that ALL the brothers in Rome are praying for them and giving thanks for the reports being brought back.

Even more, Paul prays that they continue to grow in knowledge and understanding, while affirming the foundation of Jesus Christ.

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4). “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).

Paul’s greatest hope is that this body of believers become one with Christ. “Lord Jesus, unite them as a body, fitted together with You as their head” he prays silently as he composes this letter in his spirit.

Timothy waits, knowing Paul will continue when he is ready. He trusts the Spirit of the Lord to lead both of them.

Paul nods at Timothy. He is ready to go on.

“I trust that Epaphras, my fellow worker has introduced you well to the gospel of Christ. And though I have not seen you face to face, you are my children in Christ. Therefore, I want to encourage and admonish you to continue in the faith. To be joined to Christ as His body, with Him as your head.”

Paul looks towards heaven and envisions Jesus, the one who spoke with him personally. The One who is above all. His heart swells with love and gratitude as he shares exactly who Jesus is.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

Paul turns his attention to the believers themselves.

“You were once alienated from Christ, doing evil deeds. But HE reconciled you to Himself, through His death, to present you blameless and holy before His Father. You must ‘continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven’ (Colossians 1:23).”

“I know this is not easy and that suffering will come. I rejoice in the suffering I have been called to, understanding that I have not suffered nearly as much as Christ. So I persevere to reach even deeper to spread the truth of His love for us. To share the gospel, no matter the cost. ‘To make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me’ (Colossians 1:25-29).”

Paul takes a deep breath. This is his sincere hope for all the churches. He believes with the good start the Colossians have received, they are on the right path. But he knows they still need strong encouragement and gentle direction. He is grateful to the Lord that they are not in need of correction. That would be a difficult task to take on, from one whom they have never actually met, but if called to do so, Paul will fulfill that role as well. “It is time to return to the letter” Paul tells himself.

The ever patient Timothy waits, ready for Paul’s words.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority…”

Paul knows that one of the greatest struggles facing the Gentile church today are the Jews trying to convince them that they must submit to the Law in order to please God. Even though this debate was settled long ago, the pressure still exists. Paul will make certain this church KNOWS the truth of this matter.

“…In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities^[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:6-23).

Paul prays with everything in him that this body understands the gift they have been given. To be one with Christ. And the opportunity to embody Him in this world.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all…”

Paul sees the church as they stand for Christ in the manner he has just instructed them. He envisions what that looks like and how they will model it.

“…Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 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 3:1-17).

Tears threaten to spill from Paul’s eyes as he sees the church in the Spirit. “Yes, Lord. Let it be so with this body of believers.” But his work is not quite complete. These are lofty goals, but the people need instructions on HOW to put these goals into action in their daily lives. Paul gathers himself together and continues.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality” (Colossians 3:18-25).

Paul’s words have an impact on Onesimus who is still listening from the corner. He KNOWS with all his heart that he is to submit to his earthly master, as he would to the Lord. He does not know what that will look like, but he is willing to trust the Lord to work it out in his life. He quietly wipes a tear from his eye as he continues to listen to Paul compose his letter.

God has seen Onesimus’ heart as he submits to Paul’s authority. The Spirit directs Paul’s next words for Onesimus’ hope as well as for the church.

“Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1).

Onesimus stifles a sob at Paul’s words. He does not wish to interrupt. Instead, he turns his head towards heaven and offers a silent “Thank You” to the Lord for hearing him.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person…”

Paul is ready to close with his final greetings. He wants this body of believers to KNOW how many supporters they have in the Lord, as well as let Onesimus hear who will be accompanying him on his journey back to Philemon.

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas…”

Paul has one final instruction regarding this letter. He intends for his words to reach beyond this single church. This letter is to be shared, as well as receiving his previous letters to other churches.

“…Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you” (Colossians 4:2-18).

Paul breathes a huge sigh. This is exactly what the Lord wants His church to know. And Onesimus, a runaway slave will deliver these very words to that body.

Onesimus stands and embraces Paul, who is nearly swallowed in the process.

“I am honored to be of service to you brother. I pray that I may return to you from time to time. But I will do whatever the Lord has for me.”

“I know you will, my son.”

After breaking their embrace, the two turn to the duties of the day. Timothy carefully blots and dries the letter before handing it to Paul for his signature and seal. Onesimus prepares the table for their evening meal, once the precious letter is safely stored.

“When will I deliver these letters” Onesimus asks  as they sit together at table.

“Timothy, would you invite Tychicus to come and see me tomorrow. Then we can make plans for delivering both letters.”

The next morning Tychicus stands before Paul. Timothy told him of the mission Paul has for him already. He is eager to get started.

“Onesimus will go with you. Deliver the letter addressed to Philemon first, in Onesimus’ presence. Stand with him as Philemon reads this letter. Submit to whatever Philemon demands, while praying for the Lord to have His perfect work in this.”

“Onesimus, the Lord Himself is going with you. Put your trust in HIS plan.”

Onesimus nods but says nothing. Fear still tries to rise up in him. “I put my faith in the Lord” he says quietly to his own soul.

The two men set out the next day for Colossae. It takes nearly six months for them to reach the home of Philemon. Each day, Onesimus wrestles with his fears. When they stand on the doorstep of his former master, Onesimus has no fear. He knows that, whatever comes, he is in the hands of the Lord.

(to be continued)

I truly wish I knew what becomes of Onesimus. I believe that Philemon honored Paul’s request and forgave his former slave. That Onesimus became a free man and a faithful brother to the church, possibly even taking letters back and forth between them and Paul.

I have to apologize for taking so long to finish this story. It has been probably more than two weeks in the making. Struggles in my own life have kept me off balance, as well as feeling unqualified for this task. I actually started a second telling of this story, preparing to leave the letter to the Colossians vague, but the Spirit would not allow me that ‘out’. He helped me finish what we started. We will see where He takes us on the rest of the journey with the early church.

Father God, THANK YOU for opening my heart again to hear from You. For tamping my fears down and pushing me to rise above them. I LOVE hearing Your word and sharing Your stories, even if I STILL feel unqualified to do so.

Thank You for the healing work You are doing in my husband as well. Relieving me of that immediate stress and distraction. I trust You with his life, KNOWING that he is in YOUR hands. You know mine and our family’s desire to have him for many years to come. He is our gift from You, even when it takes every ounce of my physical and emotional strength to meet his needs. Help me ALWAYS see him as that gift. And to appreciate EVERY DAY that we have together.