Philemon 1:8-16
I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (v. 10) and I am sending him back to you… (v. 12a) Yesterday I began the discussion of where Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians, arguing that he might have written Philemon (and Colossians, as we will see later) from the same location. Scholars have argued for Rome or Caesarea, places where we know Paul to have been imprisoned. Today’s reading lends credence to an argument for Ephesus, although we have no record of Paul in prison in Ephesus. It is very likely that Philemon was from Colossae, since Onesimus and Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-9) are bringing this letter and the Colossians epistle to Philemon. (There are also non-Biblical sources supporting Philemon’s residence in Colossae.) It is more likely that Onesimus came to Paul in prison in Ephesus rather than Rome, since Colossae was only 100 miles or so from Ephesus but quite a much greater distance from Rome. Paul is also returning Onesimus to Philemon (see above), again a more likely possibility of a return from Ephesus than from Rome. Where Paul was in prison when he wrote these letters is more important to Bible scholars than to us, but to me it is particularly intriguing.
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to … appeal to you for my child, Onesimus… (vv. 8-10) Paul is playing both ends against the middle here. He first makes the claim that he could command Philemon’s actions, but then he says that he is making an appeal instead of a command. However, by first stating the he could make the command, he is effectively making a demand! Later Paul lightens his tone a bit: I would have been glad to keep him with me, … but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. (vv. 13-14) I especially like his nothing without your consent and of your own accord phrases. With it all, I suspect Philemon bristled a bit at Paul’s verse 8 “bold-and-command” comment.
Paul makes a really good comment in closing today’s reading: For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever … as a beloved brother… (vv. 15-16a) Paul is saying that Onesimus’ salvation is worth the difficulties Philemon may have endured by Onesimus’ escape. Jesus Himself said, I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7) ‘nuff said!
Slava Bohu!
I chewed on v. 16. Paul didn’t say anything about releasing Onesimus from slavery, but he also didn’t condone or condemn slavery either. He worked to transform the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, as brothers. I would have loved to hear the result as they worked through this. Can’t wait to find out in heaven!