Philemon

Did you know that there are five books of the bible that are only 1 chapter long?!

1. Philemon
2. Obadiah
3. Jude
4. Second John
5. Third John

First John is 5 chapters and I’ll probably read more of that before going into second and third but today we are going to summarize Philemon!

Philemon was one of the letters that Paul wrote from prison! As a little backstory, Philemon was a Christian who started a church with a guy named Epaphras in Colassae. (see. Colossians 1:7) In the letter you will see that Onesimus used to be a slave of Philemon and he wrongs him by thievery and flees. Onesimus finds Paul and becomes Christian. This letter is a plea to Philemon to forgive Onesimus.

Paul starts the letter with a prayer. Thanking God for Philemon’s love and faithfulness.

⁶ 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.

Partnership here can also be translated in Greek to Koinonia which means sharing or multiple participation. All of Jesus’ followers are equal partners who share the gift of God’s grace and love. To Paul, Koinonia is not just an idea, its something you do.

Onesimus has become Paul’s child as he has converted him to Christianity. He wants this conflict to be resolved among brothers. Paul makes a huge request for Philemon to take Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother.

¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— ¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians you hear that reconciliation is an important part in Christian faith. Making appends and being at peace with one another. “God was reconciling the world in the Messiah to Himself. Not counting peoples sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) With Koinonia they are equal before God, sharing the same need for forgiveness. No longer are they master and slave but brothers in the Messiah.

Colossians 3:11 ¹¹ Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

In verses 17-19 you see Paul pleads saying, if you are truly a partner with me, then welcome Oneismus as if he were me. if he’s wronged you or owes you anything, charge it to me and I’ll repay it.

This is the only letter where Paul doesn’t talk about Jesus but instead it appears that he is acting it out. The implication of the good news are personal but not private. Jesus’ family is a new humanity. Who share together in God’s equal mercy.