Today in God's Word—February 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
February 2, Philemon 1
Some were branded on the forehead, a lifelong reminder to everyone of their foolish attempt to escape. Some were hobbled, an ankle shattered so they could never run again. Some were executed in a gruesome display of their master’s wrath, to deter any others thinking about running. In an economy where slavery was a way of life, slaves were viewed as human tools. Had Philemon chosen to do any of the above or anything else to Onesimus, his runaway slave, no one would have objected. We should read Paul’s appeal for mercy on behalf of Onesimus against this cultural background.
During his first Roman confinement, Paul met the runaway slave of an old friend. If you go to church when you’re on vacation or traveling on business, you’ve probably met people and learned that you have common acquaintances. (I hear “It’s a Small, Small World” in my head when that happens.) Did Paul recognize Onesimus from Philemon’s household? Did the runaway become a Christian under Paul’s influence and confess his crime of running away? We don’t know, but somehow the apostle met Onesimus and sent him back to his master, knowing the risk, realizing the magnitude of his request.
Paul conducts a clinic on the art of persuasion in the only surviving personal letter from the prolific apostle. He built the bridge by referring to their relationship, expressing his desire for Philemon and his family to have the very best blessings, and acknowledging everything good and commendable about Philemon. He touched on his authority, but chose to make his
appeal based on love. He played the sympathy card, saying he was now an old man and a prisoner. He did all this before ever bringing up Onesimus in a playful pun on the meaning of the runaway’s name. “Mr. Useful” hadn’t been so useful to Philemon, but Paul wanted the wronged master to know the runaway was now quite useful.
Instead of forcing compliance, honorable persuasion seeks consent. Paul asked Philemon to take Onesimus back as a brother, just as he would receive his partner Paul. He offered to pay Onesimus’ debt, and gently reminded Philemon of what he “owed” the apostle. He expressed confidence in his friend, and told him he was coming to see him. He mentioned others they both knew who would be aware of Philemon’s decision. He tied the package with the bow of grace the Lord had shown to him. What a masterpiece! How could Philemon refuse, even when the request was so counter-cultural?
What’s the takeaway for us today? We can learn from Paul’s method of persuasion. We can remember we need grace and need to show grace to others. We see that the gospel works more like leaven than dynamite to change hearts and cultures. And we find encouragement to obey when God’s will goes against cultural norms. What’s God asking of you that the neighbors might not understand? I’m confident you’d rather please God.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Comments