Philemon - Case Study of God’s Grace & Forgiveness

by Deborrah K Ogans⁽¹²⁾
Alpha 7 Ministries

Philemon is a wonderful masterpiece and an often overlooked Book of the New Testament. It showcases the Grace of God and Forgiveness. The key verse here is “ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you…” Philemon was a Christian who was a prominent member of the Church in Colosse. Philemon had come to know the Lord under the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, his legal slave had stole from him and fled to Rome. It was in Rome that Onesimus met and encountered Paul. After hearing Paul’s powerful ministry he too confessed Jesus Christ and became converted. Paul grew to dearly love Onesimus!

Onesimus had become very dear and helpful to Paul. This is interesting because Onesimus name means “useful.” Paul convinced him that he needed to return back to Philemon. Under Roman law Philemon could have him beaten and possibly killed if he desired. Paul addresses this letter which we have come to know as the Book of Philemon; and makes a heartfelt personal plea to his friend challenging him to forgive his now radically transformed “beloved brother” Onesimus, and accept and welcome him back not as a slave but as a brother. Onesimus had repented! Paul was prepared to pay Philemon if necessary any restitution for the time of his lost service as well as for the cost of the theft.

What a difference! How interesting; Now they were brothers in Christ and both were “members of God’s family!” This is why it is so important to know God’s Word and know who we are in Christ! “…Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents. Forgive him…” Luke 3. Although each of us as individuals are quite different, in Christ we really should not be separated by racial, sex, political, cultural, personality differences, education, or economic barriers. “This righteousness from God comes though FAITH in JESUS CHRIST to ALL that believe. There is no difference, for All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His GRACE through the redemption that came through JESUS CHRIST…” ROMAN 3. To be justified means to be declared not guilty!

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Article submitted Monday, September 12, 2011 & read 43 times.

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