The New Testament contains a short book called Philemon. Here is a summary: Paul introduces himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul was under
house arrest in Rome at this time. Paul and Timothy greet Philemon as a dearly beloved fellow-laborer. Philemon lived in Colossae. Onesimus had been Philemon's slave. Onesimus had run away and may
have stolen some money from his master. He then met Paul. Paul taught the gospel Onesimus, who then became a
Christian as well as a servant to Paul. Paul regards Onesimus as his son (verse 10). Paul asks Philemon in a letter to forgive Onesimus and to accept him
as a fellow Christian and as a beloved brother (verses 15-16) Paul then sent Onesimus back to Philemon. Paul offered to pay Philemon
for any debts that Onesimus owed to Philemon. (verses 18-19). Paul expresses his desire to visit Philemon after his imprisonment (verse 22). Paul closes [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen * * * There are several important lessons in this epistle. Onesimus represents each of us in this story. This story symbolizes
the great atoning sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. We are all rather unprofitable servants as was Onesimus. We are
slaves of sin when we do wrong (John 8:34). We may also be slaves to
fear. We may all at one time run away from the Lord as Onesimus fled from
Philemon. But we can still repent and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ
even when we are far away from him. Paul regarded Onesimus as his son. We become sons and daughters of
Jesus Christ when we are spiritually reborn. Paul offered to pay for the debts of Onesimus. Jesus Christ has paid
for our eternal debts through his great atoning sacrifice in the
Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross at Calvary. The story also teaches us the importance of brotherhood in Christ and
forgiveness. * * * Here is a poem by Rosamond E. Herklots. "Forgive our sins as we forgive,"
You taught us, Lord, to pray;
But You alone can grant us grace
To live the words we say. How can Your pardon reach and bless
The unforgiving heart
That broods on wrongs and will not let
Old bitterness depart? In blazing light your cross reveals
The truth we dimly knew:
How trifling others' debts to us;
How great our debt to You! Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
And bid resentment cease;
Then, by your mercy reconciled,
Our lives will spread your peace. * * * May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine
house arrest in Rome at this time. Paul and Timothy greet Philemon as a dearly beloved fellow-laborer. Philemon lived in Colossae. Onesimus had been Philemon's slave. Onesimus had run away and may
have stolen some money from his master. He then met Paul. Paul taught the gospel Onesimus, who then became a
Christian as well as a servant to Paul. Paul regards Onesimus as his son (verse 10). Paul asks Philemon in a letter to forgive Onesimus and to accept him
as a fellow Christian and as a beloved brother (verses 15-16) Paul then sent Onesimus back to Philemon. Paul offered to pay Philemon
for any debts that Onesimus owed to Philemon. (verses 18-19). Paul expresses his desire to visit Philemon after his imprisonment (verse 22). Paul closes [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen * * * There are several important lessons in this epistle. Onesimus represents each of us in this story. This story symbolizes
the great atoning sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. We are all rather unprofitable servants as was Onesimus. We are
slaves of sin when we do wrong (John 8:34). We may also be slaves to
fear. We may all at one time run away from the Lord as Onesimus fled from
Philemon. But we can still repent and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ
even when we are far away from him. Paul regarded Onesimus as his son. We become sons and daughters of
Jesus Christ when we are spiritually reborn. Paul offered to pay for the debts of Onesimus. Jesus Christ has paid
for our eternal debts through his great atoning sacrifice in the
Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross at Calvary. The story also teaches us the importance of brotherhood in Christ and
forgiveness. * * * Here is a poem by Rosamond E. Herklots. "Forgive our sins as we forgive,"
You taught us, Lord, to pray;
But You alone can grant us grace
To live the words we say. How can Your pardon reach and bless
The unforgiving heart
That broods on wrongs and will not let
Old bitterness depart? In blazing light your cross reveals
The truth we dimly knew:
How trifling others' debts to us;
How great our debt to You! Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
And bid resentment cease;
Then, by your mercy reconciled,
Our lives will spread your peace. * * * May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine