Paul's only private letter. Written to Philemon, a rich man in Colossae. Onesimus, his slave, stole from him and fled to Rome, where he met Paul and converted.
Paul sends Onesimus back. Under Roman law, Philemon could execute him. Paul asks for a revolution: receive him not as a slave, but as a beloved brother.
"If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account."PHILEMON
The theology is the practical application of Imputation.
1. Charge it to My Account (v. 18):
Paul says: "If he has wronged you... charge that to my account." Paul assumes a debt that wasn't his. It is a perfect picture of what Jesus did for us. We are Onesimus; Christ is the guarantor.
2. From Slave to Brother (v. 16):
The Gospel destroys social barriers. In the street, master and slave; in church, beloved brothers. Faith changes how we view people: eternal value over economic utility.
3. Voluntary Love (v. 14):
Paul could order forgiveness, but prefers to ask, so it wouldn't be "by compulsion but of your own accord." Forced love isn't love.
Where does Philemon meet you?
1. Costly Forgiveness:
Someone betrayed you? Philemon had the "right" to be angry. Do you want your right to justice or your privilege of grace? Forgiveness costs, but liberates.
2. Restoring the "Useless":
Onesimus means "Useful". Paul puns: "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful." God turns discarded people into treasures.
3. Interceding for Others:
Paul puts himself in the middle. Sometimes we are called to be peacemakers, putting our reputation on the line to reconcile others.