The Letter to Philemon(2 Studies)

Laindon Bible Study17th November 2011

“I Paul have written it with

mine own hand”

Part 2

The shape of our two studies

Background,themes

and shape

The first elevenverses

The last fourteen

verses

Conclusions and

lessons

Last week Today

Part 1 – A quick recap

• A remarkable little letter – a highly personal and moving appeal• ‘The Book of Reconciliation’ – Master <> Mediator <> Servant• Parallels with Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke ch. 15)• A letter from Paul’s first Rome imprisonment, “Paul, a prisoner”• Philemon probably a member of the Colossian ecclesia• A series of contrasts used by Paul to emphasise his points• At least 16 angles to his appeal to Philemon, from start to finish• Philemon an active believer, renowned for love of the brethren• The ecclesia, including his wife and son(?), met in his house• Paul beseeched on Onesimus’ behalf, did not force acceptance• A 445 word letter that could have been 7/8 words, but it wasn’t!

...The prisoner appeals for the slave...

A brief digression

The sequence of eventsThe Letters to Philemon and the Colossians...

• How readest thou?Colossians chapter 4 verses 7-9

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;9 With Onesimus, a faithful and

beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Option 1‘Who is one of you’ means already a member of the ecclesia at Colossae

If so, sequence might be:1. Onesimus sent from Rome Colossae with

Philemon letter, is accepted back by Master2. Onesimus sent back Colossae Rome3. Onesimus/Tychicus travel Rome Colossae with

Colossian letter

Option 2‘Who is one of you’ means he had been a resident of Colossae and was now a fellow brother in Christ

If so, sequence might be:1. Onesimus/Tychicus travel Rome Colossae with

both Philemon letter and Colossian letter

Probably Option 2 most likely, because in Philemon Paul implies imminent release*

* 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

A public declaration of Onesimus’ faith

Masters and Servants/Slaves• A frequent topic in Paul’s Epistles (esp. those

to Colossians, Ephesians)• Particularly used to draw out a broader

allegory, never to judge the rights/wrongs• Key point is that in whatever situation one

find’s oneself it can be used to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10 v 31)

• We shouldn’t question our situation, rather we should trust in God and His providence

Verses 12 - 25

Onesimus sent by Paul reluctantly• “that is, mine own bowels” (for Jews, seat of

tender affections) shows the strength of relationship that had developed between Paul and Onesimus. NET “who is my very heart”; Weymouth “I send part of myself”

• “I would have retained” Gk. boulomai = intended, minded, be disposed. Indecision?

• “in thy stead”, Paul indicates that although Philemon was not being served by Onesimus, he was (i.e. Onesimus was still performing his duty, just toward another)

• v.14 (RSV) “but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own free will.” Two key principles

Philemon verses 12-14

12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

To be received willingly by Philemon• “departed for a season” – suggests that

God’s providential hand had been at work. Compare case of Joseph: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” (Gen. 45v5)

• “shouldest receive him for ever” unlike the Master-Slave relationship, which dissolved at death, now was an abiding relationship

• “both in the flesh, and in the Lord” suggests that Onesimus would remain a slave, but would also now be a beloved brother (see 1 Cor. 7v20-22)

• “partner” = Gk. koinonos = fellow, sharer• “receive him as myself” – connect back v.12

Philemon verses 15-17

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

Paul the ‘Good Samaritan’• “If he hath wronged thee” – it is highly likely that

Paul would have known this if true, although his style is to leave the matter open

• “put that on mine account” Paul acting as the mediator/intercessor. Gk. ellogeo = impute, reckon i.e. to keep a record of something (Romans 5v13 s.w.). “And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” (Luke 10v35)

• v.19 (CEV) “With my own hand I write: I, PAUL, WILL PAY YOU BACK...” (translation’s emphasis)

• “repay it” = Gk. apotino = ‘to pay in full’ (Strong)• “I do not say” – Paul reminds, does not force

Philemon verses 18-19

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

The final impassioned appeal• “let me have joy of thee” Gk. oninemi = ‘to be

useful, to profit, help’ (Thayer) related to adjective Onesimus = profitable, helpful (play on words, frequent style employed by Paul)

• “refresh my bowels” – as Philemon had refreshed the bowels of all of the saints (see v.7). Paul was just asking Philemon to do for him what he had so often done for others

• “withal” = RSV ‘at the same time’ i.e. at the same time as accepting back Onesimus!

• “through your prayers”, the importance of prayer in God’s purpose. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5v16)

Philemon verses 20-22

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

The concluding salutation

• “Epaphras” previously instrumental in ecclesia at Colossae, as Col. 1v7 (“for you... faithful minister”)

• “Marcus” = John Mark, who became “profitable” (2 Timothy 4v11), despite earlier disagreement

• “Aristarchus... Lucas” clearly both present with Paul when he went Caesarea Rome (Acts 27v2)

• “Demas” fell away “having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4v10), written 5-7 years later

Philemon verses 23-25

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Colossians 4 v 10,12,14

“Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)... Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.... Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”

Lessons for us

The importance of mercy

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (James 2 v 13)

The right way to appeal

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” (2 Timothy 2 v 24-25)

Other lessons• The work of our mediator, interceding for

‘criminals’• The importance of our prayer, working out

God’s purpose• Obedience through choice always to be

preferred to obedience through compulsion• In whatever situation we find ourselves there

is opportunity to give God glory• We must continue to hold fast until the end

A highly personal letter