Paul's Letter

Paul wrote this letter to Philemon (v. 1), from Rome where he was imprisoned. It was carried by Tychicus to Colosse (Eph 6:21), along with the Epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:9). Tychicus was accompanied by Onesimus, who wronged his master, Philemon (v. 15). When Onesimus ran away to Rome, he became a Christian under the ministry of Paul (v. 13). Now, he is back to convey this letter to Philemon! Although Paul was imprisoned physically, he considers himself “a prisoner of Jesus Christ,” Who is in absolute control of his situation.

 Therefore, he learned to be content in “whatsoever state” (Php 4:11), he finds himself. If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior by faith (Rom 5:1), you are also a prisoner, not physically, but as “an ambassador in bonds” (Eph 6:20). Since we were “bought with a price” (1 Cor 6:20), we belong to Jesus! Our lives are now guided by God’s will and under His control (Jms 4:15). Paul’s bondage did not hinder him from praying for the brethren (v. 4). His love for them was undeniable as his love for lost souls (Rom 9:3). We need to have the same attitude of prayer (1 Thes 5:17), and genuine love for one another (Rom 12:10).

 We can accomplish much for Christ’s sake when we are in “one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Php 1:27)! Even though Philemon was wronged by Onesimus, Paul showed grace and compassion by making an effort to reconcile them “for love’s sake.” That is the same kind of character that we need in our ministries today. We ought not to think of ourselves “more highly” (Rom 12:3). Just because we are doing it for God does not make us better than others. We are merely vessels “unto honour” (2 Tim 2:21). We can never truly experience the fulness of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness until we practice it in our lives! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera