Philemon 17-25

Since Paul strongly believed that God had providentially allowed Onesimus (runaway salve who had stolen from Philemon) and him to meet, Paul wrote Philemon a letter asking him to forgive Onesimus for his wrongdoing. Onesimus had become a follower of Christ during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome and now spent much of his time ministering to the needs of Paul. He had become valuable to Paul (vv.11-13), but he also wanted to make sure Onesimus straightened out his unresolved issues with Philemon. So Paul was sending this letter by the hand of Onesimus in order to ask Philemon to extend forgiveness to the runaway slave who was now a fellow believer. In concluding this very brief letter Paul writes from his heart “receive him [Onesimus] as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account” (vv.17-18). This is a perfect picture of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross when the sin of mankind was placed on His account in order that man might be forgiven. Paul did not hold the sin of Onesimus over his head, but willingly accepted him as a brother and now he is challenging Philemon to do the same. Paul reminds Philemon that he is forever indebted to him because through Paul’s witness he had received the message of the gospel (v.19). There was confidence in the heart of Paul that Philemon would willingly forgive Onesimus for his sin (v.21). I believe the letter Paul wrote to Philemon is so relevant to us. Every day we encounter situations where people treat us wrongly and do things against us which are offensive. However, we must always remember the forgiveness of Jesus Christ offered to us with no strings attached. When you are treated unfairly, be quick to extend a forgiving hand because when you do so, you are acting like Jesus.

Dear God, may I freely forgive anyone who does wrong to me.