Philemon 1 – The Listening Plan

Devotional

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,

– Philemon 1:10

Philemon is a short, but beautiful letter. Paul was writing to an old friend, on behalf of a new one. A new friend who was a recent convert to the faith, under extenuating circumstances. His new friend (Onesimus) was a runaway slave, who (apparently) had stolen from his master (Philemon) when he left. So there’s a compounding offense against Onesimus, before Philemon. But Paul begs for Philemon’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

We don’t know for sure, but I think we can assume that Philemon did as Paul asked. I think that’s the case, not because Paul put the pressure upon him, but because Philemon had been a recipient of God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Therefore, as a Child of the great Forgiver, I think Philemon extended the same grace to Onesimus.