To Be One in Christ: We Have Treasure in the Jars of Clay -- the Series of Explanation and Analysis of Scripture (14)
The Explanation and Analysis of Some of the Verses in PHILEMON
The book of Philemon -- Everyone in LORD Jesus Christ is a dear brother or sister to each other.
NOTES ON THE BACKGROUND:
The book of Philemon is very short. Although what it is written about are some private affairs, the truths that it reveals on the love, wisdom, and rich spiritual life in Christ, and the relationships that it demonstrates in Christ between masters and slaves, friends, and servants of God and believers, are the most detailed and practical teachings. It is a book that describes profoundly and clearly the genuine love between the brothers in Christ. In other words, the book of Philemon teaches us in details about the truths on the brotherly relationship in Christ and the love between the brothers in Christ. The Holy Sprit wrote this brief letter through Paul; it is not to use the profound theory to build up the believers, but with a specific example, to let all the churches be built up from it and receive the revelations.
This book is often regarded as the private letter from Paul to Philemon. In fact, this letter was sent to Philemon, Apphia (might be the wife of Philemon), Archippus and the church that met in Philemon’s home (verse 1, 2); and the greetings in this letter were from Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, and these people represented a group of leaders of the church (verse 23,24). The purpose that Paul included them in this letter was to let Philemon know that his reply to Paul’s request would not be a private and personal decision, but was a decision that need to be handed over to the group of the believers. In the body of Christ, the matter regarding the relationship between the believers, is concerned by the entire group; this matter should not be regarded as the private problem, for it will affect the whole church (Mat 18:15-20).
This letter was written by Paul to Philemon. From this letter, it can be told that Philemon had been converted by Paul and became his dear and intimate friend (verses 1, 13, 17, 22), who was also the leader in the church of Colossae and a slave owner. He had a slave named Onesimus, who had run away from his master to Rome, due to guilty of theft in the process. Onesimus met with Paul in Rome and was converted to LORD by Paul. Onesimus sincerely repented and converted to Christ (verse 10); his life was changed completely because of the life of Christ, and he was cherished by Paul and called as the very heart of Paul (verse 12). He joined in the work of Gospel with Paul such that Paul would have liked to keep him at side, as a dear and faithful brother (verse 13, Col 4:9). Although Paul wanted to keep Onesimus, he considered that since Onesimus was the slave of Philemon and committed theft from his master before, and now he had converted to Christ, he should get back to his master to ask for forgiveness. Paul was afraid that Philemon did not know the real situation; therefore, he wrote this letter to explain the whole story and also earnestly pled for Onesimus, hoping that Philemon would treat Onesimus according to the relationship in LORD as a brother, forgive the transgressions of Onesimus and retake him. Paul suggested that Onesimus would obediently get back to the home of Philemon and allow the Holy Spirit to change their relationship completely. Paul asked Philemon to release Onesimus and exalt him to the position of a brother, for “both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (verse 16) Philemon kept this letter; that proved that he answered the request of Paul and let Onesimus regain the freedom.
In this letter, it is apparent that there is a warm and brotherly love in Christ between Paul and Philemon to hold them together. Paul called Philemon as “our dear friend and fellow worker” (verse 1); he praised Philemon with ebullient words on Philemon’s work and service for the Gospel (verse 5-7); he appealed to Philemon on the basis of the love in Christ (verse 9); he mentioned that they were partners (verse 17); Paul gently reminded Philemon that he himself also owned Paul on the salvation (verse 19); and believed that he would do according to the request of Paul, and even more than Paul asked.
At that time, the servants were the slaves. The slaves did not have status, freedom and rights. The masters and slaves were vastly different as between heaven and earth. Onesimus not only did not have the status, but also was a slave who did transgressions before. However, Onesimus believed in LORD already ; for the sake of LORD, Paul said to Philemon: “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” (verse 16). Paul asked Philemon to treat Onesimus as he used to treat Paul; it was an impossible thing at that time. To exalt the salves to the status of the dear brothers, and treat him according to the standard as “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. ” (verse 17). To make him sit as equals at the same table as Paul, it is really difficult; but it is because “both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” or “both in the flesh [as a servant] and in the Lord [as a fellow believer]. ”. Although in the circumstance at that time, the slavery system was normal and lawful. However, according to the words of God, Philemon should welcome Onesimus and regard him “no longer as a slave” (verse 16) and treat him as a brother in LORD. Although Onesimus was useless to Philemon before, Paul said “but now he has become useful both to you and to me. ” (verse 11) (“Onesimus” in Greek means useful). Philemon need to accept it with the faith in LORD--to expect Onesimus get back to him and truly become a useful man; this is a complete reception. And also gain him forever in LORD (verse 15), and love him with complete love. The slaves and the masters are equal in the new creation of LORD, are brothers to each other, and love each other and bear with each other.
The friendly attitude of Paul toward Onesimus can prove that for the sake of being in LORD, he had no any idea of the difference of the classes and social status at all. Although Onesimus was a slave, and a convict, since he had sincerely repented and became a man in Christ already, the apostle Paul did not look down on him at all, but called him “my son while I was in chains”; and also asked Philemon treat him “as a brother in the Lord” and “welcome him as you would welcome me”. This attitude of love regardless of the difference of the classes, and this teaching of the requirement that the masters treat the slaves with the love of brothers, are based on the principles of the truth of the Gospel. Christ give everyone honor and equality regardless of the difference of classes, gender, positions or status. In Christ, the whole slavery system, and the difference of classes and social status are meaningless!
LORD Jesus Christ looks everyone as His brother (Mat 25:34-40), for everyone is created according to the image of God. Therefore, there is no difference of classes among the Christians; in Christ, there is neither slave nor free, for they are all one in Christ (Gal 3:28): “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Every Christian should be a servant to serve each other (Gal 5:13) , and wash the feet for each other (Mat 13:14) “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."” (Mat 20:26-28) We who are in LORD, are the children of the heavenly Father, and are brothers and sisters to each other. Therefore, “Love your neighbor as yourself” is the requirement and command from God to us to get along with others (Mat 22:37-40; Luk 10:25-27).
It is edited and compiled under the guidance of Holy Spirit. All thanks, praises and glories be to God!
(PHILEMON 1:1,3,4-5,8-9,16,20,23,25)
In this brief letter, there are up to 10 places mentioned about LORD Jesus Christ. LORD Jesus Christ is the fountain of our grace, peace, faith, love, strength and so on. He is the only purpose of our life and work. He is the new life that changes us completely and let us who are in Christ have the relationship as dear brothers and sisters.
PHILEMON 1:1-2upper “ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker”
(NOTES)
“a prisoner of Christ Jesus”:
In all the letters that Paul wrote to the church, he never started with calling himself the prisoner expect this one. The most common claim is “an apostle of Christ Jesus” or “a servant of Christ Jesus”. It is because most of the letters of Paul are talking about the truth about the holy work in the church, or the arguments on the basic problems of the doctrines of the faith. Therefore, Paul must speak by standing on the position of the apostle and servant of Christ Jesus. However, in this book, Paul deliberately gave up the authority as the apostle, and made an appeal on the behalf of Onesimus with the status of an average brother. Since Philemon is a believer who loves LORD earnestly, and Paul called himself “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”, it can arouse more passion, sympathy, respect and love from Philemon and make it easier to accept his request.
On the other hand, “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” is the highest glory of Paul. LORD Jesus teaches the disciples that: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ” (Mat 5:11-12) Peter -- the apostle encouraged the disciples in the same way: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ” (1Pe 4:14-16). Here, the apostle Paul testified about this teaching with his own experience of suffering for LORD.
“and Timothy our brother”:
In the official letter of Paul written to all the church, he often put the name of Timothy together (2Co 1:1; Php 1:1; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1). However, in this private letter, he also put together the name of Timothy; it might be because Philemon is familiar with Timothy as well. When Paul preached the Gospel at Ephesus, Timothy worked together with him; and also Paul once sent Timothy to visit the church at Macedonia (Act 19:21-22). Philemon might also get a lot of spiritual help from Timothy or have deep friendship with Timothy; therefore, here, Paul put the name of Timothy together.
“To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker”:
“Philemon” in Greek means friendship; “Onesimus” in Greek means useful. It is obvious that it is the marvelous arrangement of God; and it is apparent what the spiritual significance of this letter and this matter is -- God is the Sovereign of everything. Here, Paul called him as “our dear friend and fellow worker”; it is apparent that he is dear friend to both Paul and Timothy. Since Paul called him as “fellow worker”, it is obvious that he also worked on the ministry. Although he might not be like the apostle to be called to only work on prayer and the ministry of the word, he was also very earnestly serving LORD in the church, and took it as the main goal of life to give testimony for LORD. It is said that he was an overseer and sacrificed his life for LORD. From the content of this letter, it is without any doubt that he is a believer full of love. Although he was quite rich, he did not love money, but faithfully administering God's grace, doing good according to the power given by God, and helping those believers and the servants of LORD in need.
PHILEMON 1:3 “ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ”
(NOTES)
It is because grace and peace can not be separated; no one can refuse the grace of God to get peace, and no one receives the grace of God without getting the peace from God. God is the origin of grace and peace. However, to access this fountain of grace and peace, one must rely on LORD Jesus Christ; God give grace and peace to people only through Christ who bore the sins of men and took up the righteous punishment for men and though the Spirit of Christ who lives in us.
PHILEMON 1:4-5 “ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. ”
(NOTES)
Paul is a very faithful person of prayer. It is an important work for the workers of LORD to pray for others. To pray for others is to trust and rely on God and work together with God.
“because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints”:
One has the faith and love only by being “in Christ”:
“Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. ” (2Co 3:4)
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ” (Col 2:6-7)
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” (Heb 12:2)
Christ in us is the root and foundation of our love:
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ” (Eph 3:17)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ” (1Jo 4:7)
Christ Jesus is the origin of faith. Only by living in Christ, one can have the true faith. In the meanwhile, the more we know Christ, the more faith we will have. The faith and love in Christ Jesus are from the rich grace of God. Faith let us receive the salvation through our faith in LORD; love let us love LORD and live the salvation from LORD. Love is produced by faith; faith is shown through love. The faith and love of the believers come from being in Christ; Christ is the fountain of our faith and love.
PHILEMON 1:8-9 “ Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- ”
(NOTES)
“although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do”:
Advocating that everyone has the equal relationship as brothers, this is “what you ought to do” . It is what those who are in Christ should do; it is what the servants of LORD can “order” others to do.
“yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus--”:
In Christ, the believers make others to obey the will of LORD through love rather than the authority.
PHILEMON 1:16 “ no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. ”
(NOTES)
“no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. ”:
Being in Christ, the believers are dear brothers to each other, and there is no difference in classes and social status any more.
“He is very dear to me but even dearer to you”:
Paul admitted that he indeed looked Onesimus as his brother. Paul and Onesimus did not know each other originally. However, for the sake of Gospel, they became dear brothers to each other; no mention about Philemon and Onesimus, who are originally the master and the servant. Now after knowing that Onesimus had converted to LORD, would Philemon be more pleased and more love Onesimus as the brothers?
“both as a man and as a brother in the Lord”:
This sentence illuminates the essential reason that Onesimus changed from a slave to a dear brother: it is because of being in LORD. According to the truth of the Gospel of LORD, in the new creation of LORD, everyone in LORD has the life of Christ and is a dear brother or sister. There is no difference of social status among the Christians. In Christ, there is neither slave nor free, for all are one in Him (Gal 3:28): “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ”.
PHILEMON 1:20 “ I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. ”
(NOTES)
“I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. ”:
If Philemon obeyed the entrustment of this letter, it was to obey the teaching and will of LORD. It is because the intention in this letter is from Christ; the intention is inspired by the Holy Spirit and the truth of the teachings of Christ. If the brothers can obey the will of LORD, Paul will be glad for their obedience in LORD, and be happy together in the Spirit of Christ.
PHILEMON 1:23 “ Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. ”
(NOTES)
This book is filled with the communion and friendship among the Christians. Paul called them as: “our dear friend and fellow worker” (1-2); “our fellow soldier” (2); “sharing your faith” (6); “a partner” (17); and “my fellow prisoner ” (23). These addresses are enough to show the communion among the Christians and their common life; not only they share faith, are fellow workers and partners, but also they are fellow prisoners.
The purpose of all the work, labor and endurance of the believers is one: for Christ Jesus.
PHILEMON 1:25 “ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. ”
(NOTES)
This prayer is to let Philemon always be in Christ, and remember the graces that LORD give him. He himself is the one who receives the grace; and he will treat others with grace naturally. The grace of LORD Jesus Christ is always in our mind; we should always give thanks to God and treat others with grace because of this.
References:
1. Zhongdao Chen: “The Lectures on the Bible Studying of the Letters in New Testament”.
2. Xiaoyun Wan: “Bread of Life Christian Church in Taipei Weekly News (#811)”
3. Huirong Chen: (Chinese Version)“Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible” by Walter A. Elwell.
4. Quoted notes from Shuguang Niu.
