Philemon is a book in the New Testament that is often overlooked, yet it is a book of great consequence. Understand the central message of Philemon and you will understand what it truly means to be Christian. Though the word itself does not appear in any of the twenty-five verses of the book, the central theme is forgiveness. Paul takes the truth that Christians are to forgive each other and applies it to a specific situation.
The Bible clearly teaches the wonderful truth that God is a forgiving God. In Exodus 34:6-7 God described Himself to Moses as “the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin.” That theme runs throughout Scripture. We could say, in a sense, that God is never more like Himself than when He forgives. Therefore we are never more like God than when we forgive. Proverbs 19:11 says, “A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” We are to forgive as God has forgiven us.
Slavery forms the backdrop to Philemon. Slavery was a normal part of life in the ancient world. Slaves were the sole property of their owner to do with as they pleased, but by New Testament times conditions were improving for the slaves as owners came to realize that a contented slave worked better. Slaves often shared deep friendships with their masters, holding out the hope of being set free. Philemon owned at least one slave, Onesimus. Philemon was also a Christian who was serving the cause of Christ, even hosting the church in Colosse in his home (v. 2). Onesimus had run away and was with Paul in Rome where Paul had led him to faith in Christ. Paul sends him back to Philemon along with this letter which encouraged Philemon to live up to his Christianity by forgiving.
Paul appeals to the virtuous character of Philemon. He makes his Christian character the foundation of his appeal to forgive Onesimus. The first characteristic of one who forgives is a certain faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One who forgives is one who is concerned with the things of the Lord and who desires to please Him above all else. Paul tells Philemon, “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints” (vs. 4-5). Philemon loves God and his fellow believers, which now includes Onesimus.
The second characteristic of one who forgives is sharing your faith with power. To share your faith with power is to exercise your faith in such a way that it brings everyone together in Christian fellowship. Paul prays that “the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Forgiving one another sends a powerful message to the church concerning the importance of fellowship. It sets a standard of peace and harmony in the church.
The third characteristic of one who forgives has to do with using your faith for others. Philemon had a reputation for love, a fact that brought Paul “much joy and comfort” (v. 7a). Through Philemon “the hearts of the saints have been refreshed” (v. 7b). “Refreshed” in the original Greek is a military term that speaks of an army resting from a march. Philemon brought troubled people rest and renewal; he was a peacemaker. When your faith in Jesus is certain and you share your faith with others in a manner that brings them together in Christ, you become a peacemaker and God can use your faith to refresh others who are troubled and need renewal. Let your faith shine like a beacon for others to follow. Amen.
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