OCTOBER 13 READING…PHILEMON
Philemon is an interesting letter, and has been misunderstood by so many. Some have thought that Paul was promoting slavery, he was not, he was dealing with the reality of slavery in the culture of the day. Philemon is a friend of Paul who had a runaway slave named Onesimus. This letter is not only written to Philemon, but also to two other believers and the members of the church that met in Philemon’s house. Paul does not want to overstep his place, so he entreats Philemon to listen to his request for Onesimus.
Paul wanted Philemon to know that Onesimus has changed. At one time apparently Onesimus was of not much good to Philemon, and was rebellious. Now Onesimus has come to faith in Jesus Christ, and the Apostle actually calls him a son. Paul wants things to be made right between Philemon and Onesimus…and though they are still “master/slave”, more importantly they are brothers in Christ. Paul does not excuse Onesimus’ actions against Philemon, but does say that perhaps all this happened that Onesimus would come to faith, and now the relationship is completely changed. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul. Paul even says that if Onesimus has wronged Philemon, or cost him anything, to put it on Paul’s account. This is how Jesus changes people, even in the hardest of situations.
Please share your thoughts on today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…HEBREWS 1
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