The Roman Empire depended on slavery. Without the slaves produced by war, poverty and debt, the economy would have collapsed. Some slaves could be well educated, but most worked in hard manual occupations. Legally a slave was a piece of property, completely at his master’s mercy. That is the background of Onesimus, who seems to have been a runaway slave. We consider Philemon 8-16 The slave transformed.
1. Pastoral wisdom
Paul’s approach to the main issue – the future of Onesimus – manifests great pastoral wisdom. Paul builds the foundation carefully before getting to the point. He provides a good example of how to handle a sensitive issue. His appeal (v8) is on the basis of the kind of man Philemon is – Paul gives an honest evaluation (v7) and so wins a hearing. Note Paul’s humility: he could assert apostolic authority (v8) as he could – wisdom lies in knowing when such assertion is appropriate. Instead ‘I appeal to you on the basis of love’ (v9). This should bring a more ready response among Christians. There is also an emotional element in the appeal – ‘an old man and now also a prisoner’ (v9) – there is a proper place for emotion in Christian relationships.
2. Amazing grace
We have a wonderful statement in v10 as Paul comes to the point: ‘I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains’. It is a vivid picture of spiritual fatherhood. Paul is describing the conversion of Onesimus as a result of Paul’s ministry. It seems Onesimus was a runaway, possibly a thief (v18). As a result of his conversion, ‘he has become useful to you and to me’ (‘Onesimus’ means ‘useful’). Here is a work of God’s sovereign grace, taking a runaway slave and changing him into ‘a brother in the Lord’ (v16). Only grace could perform such a miracle. The genuineness of the work is evident in Onesimus’ willingness to return to Philemon, despite the risk. Along with Tychicus he will deliver Colossians and this letter (Colossians 4:9).
3. Brotherly love
The passage is full of Christian love, both expressed in the past and expected in the future. Note:
(i). Paul for Onesimus. ‘he is my very heart’ (v12) – a further expression of the deep spiritual bond forged. Within the family of God, some relationships are deeper than others, as three disciples were especially close to Jesus, but none is to be left out of the circle of love.
(ii). Paul for Philemon. Paul wishes to have Onesimus with him (v13), but ‘I did not want to do anything without your consent’ (v14). We see again the spiritual bond between Paul and Philemon, leading to the profoundly respectful treatment Paul accords Philemon.
(iii). Philemon for Onesimus. This has yet to be shown in practice, but Paul is confident that brotherly love will be present, though Philemon could treat his slave in any way he wanted. Paul sees providence in these events – Onesimus is now ‘a brother in the Lord’ (v16) and Paul know show Philemon treated brothers (v7), a pattern for all believers.