Volume 25, Issue 8
Page 28
WisconsinChristianNews.com
Forgiving Philemon (Part 1)
By Ron Webster January 2025
“I will pay it, even though I will not consider how thou owest unto me even thine own self be- sides.” This is a striking human ap- plication of the divine principal of redemption, and the cost of forgiveness. Onesimus was un- able to pay the debt he owed to Philemon, just as we are unable to satisfy our own debt of sin against our Creator and live. Paul was, however, willing to pay the price to make it possible for Onesimus to be justly for- given of his debt, because of his
(Verses 1-7). This letter is addressed to Philemon, a prominent friend and convert of Paul’s, and the church that gathered in his house. “Hear- ing of thy love (26-‘agape’, perfect love) and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
that the communication of thy faith may become ef- fectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Verses 1, 7). Paul was very grateful to God for such a godly and faith- ful fellow laborer. “For we have great joy and con- solation in thy love (‘agape’-, perfect love), because the bowels (4698-the center of inward affection, and tender mercy) of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Paul held Philemon’s godly character with great respect. (Verses 8-11). “Therefore, having boldness in Christ to beg you to do what is becoming as a Christian. Yet for love’s (26-‘agape’, perfect love) sake I rather call to your attention, as your elder and prisoner of Christ for my son Onesimus, whom I have fathered in by bonds. In the past he was (verse 16) a servant (1401-bond servant) unprof- itable (verse 11) because he (verse 15) departed for a season.” (Verses 13-14). “I would have retained him with me, that in thy stead he might have min- istered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind (approval) would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of neces- sity, but willingly.” (Verses 15-16) “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for- ever; not now as a servant, (but especially to me a beloved brother), but, how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” What is Paul implying by his questions? (1.) There is a change to be considered in Onesimus: A change where things are different now. (2.) The past needs to be dealt with. Onesimus had a debt to be paid as a bond servant, which he defaulted on by running away. (3.) In verses 11 the change was from that which was unprofitable to something profitable to everyone concerned. (Verse 17), “If thou count me therefore a partner (in Christ)) receive him as my- self.” (Verse 14) “But without your approval, I will do nothing that it would be your willing choice to receive him now as a brother.” (Verses 18-19) “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that to mine account.” Upon my signature of this letter
but we are commanded to forgive. Jesus said in Mark 11:25-26; “And when ye stand praying, for- give, if we have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your tres- passes. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” That command with its consequences cannot be any more specific! Some would say I will forgive once, but Jesus in Luke 17:3-4 said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, re- buke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in day turn again to thee, saying, I re- pent; thou shalt forgive him.” In Matthew 18:21-23, Jesus again said, answer- ing Peters question, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? ‘Til seven times? Jesus (answered), ‘I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.’” For this is how the kingdom of heaven works! Jesus continues in the rest of the chapter giving an example of this, ending in verse 35 with this state- ment: “So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you (send you to the tormentors in the Lake of fire), if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother (80-kinsman) their trespasses.” And again Jesus makes this comment in Luke 6:37 and 38; “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven… for with the same measure that ye mete with all it shall be measured to you again.”
love (26-agape perfect love, verse 7, 9) for his neigh- bor as himself. Especially his brethren in Christ, as Onesimus was now a new convert, as Paul states in Galatians 2:20 the Lord Jesus Christ “loved me, and gave Himself for me,” and now for Onesimus. (Verses 20-22) Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon, that he will do the right thing concerning his obedience to the acceptance of Onesimus, “knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.” What is Paul implying that Philemon should do concerning his run away bond slave that is now born again? (Verses 16-17). He is suggesting he ac- cept him not just as his run away servant, “but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, (now) both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” Therefore forgiveness is also implied, being Ones- imus as a bond slave has a debt which at this time he cannot pay, and Paul by his own signature offers to redeem Onesimus of that debt. Onesimus was unable to redeem himself; just as we are unable to redeem ourselves of our debt, the price of sin, and live! Paul was more than willing to pay the debt be- cause of his love for his convert just as the Lord Jesus Christ loved us, and gave Himself for us, as Paul speaks of this relationship in Galatians 2:20. Therefore when Paul, in his letter to Philemon, refers to him in verses 5, 7, and 9 as having perfect love; and “yet for (perfect) love’s sake I (beg) thee” to willingly accept him and my payment, granting him forgiveness “as a brother beloved!”
Forgive- ness is not just a good and honor- able thing,
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