AFFIRMATION AND FINAL WISH (PHM 1: 19-22)

AFFIRMATION AND FINAL WISH (PHM 1: 19-22):

Paul finally affirms to Philemon that he, Paul, wrote the letter with his hand and that he will repay it, to say nothing of his owing him even his own self. Paul makes a personal touch by confirming that he did write the letter by himself and assures him that he is willing to pay for the losses incurred, and also reminds him of how Philemon is obliged to him because of the goodness of the gospel received through Paul. Paul then says, Yes, brother, that he wants some benefit from him in the Lord. He shall refresh his heart in Christ. Paul calls Philemon also a brother to help recollect their association with the Lord. He looks at forgiveness and reconciliation as a greater benefit to Philemon as well as Onesimus in the Lord. And reaffirms that he rejoices in such love, and it reflects the love of Christ and helps to glorify God.

Paul soothes everything at the end and says that he is confident of Philemon’s obedience, and he writes to him, knowing that he will do even more than he says. At the same time, he shall prepare a guest room for him, for he is hoping that through their prayers he will be graciously given to him. Paul conveyed everything that he wanted to express and was never authoritative, but instead, he trusted and insisted that because of the goodness of Philemon, he would do what pleases God. Philemon and the church should have been expecting the visit of Paul, and he instructs them to prepare things for welcoming him and assures them that they will meet together again.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.     Why did Paul mention that he writes with his hand?

2.     Why does Paul mention that he would repay it?

3.     What did Paul mention about Philemon’s owing to them? What is it about?

4.     What does Paul want from Philemon?

5.     What is the benefit of the Lord that Paul wants?

6.     On what is Paul confident? Why?

7.     What does Paul ask Philemon to do? Why?

8.     How shall we acknowledge our obligation towards one another?

9.     How can we be confident about our fellow people?

10. How do we get the support of others without exploiting them anyway? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT ONESIMUS AS A SERVANT (PHM 1: 11-14)

RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT ONESIMUS AS A SERVANT (PHM 1: 11-14): Paul conveys to Philemon that formerly, Onesimus was useless to him, but then he is indeed useful to him and Philemon. And Paul conveys that he is sending him back to Philemon, sending his very heart. Onesimus, being one of the slave servants of Philemon, seems not to be sincere, faithful, and responsible because of his selfish desires and interests. Philemon would have surely been upset about Onesimus and his works. But after his association with Paul and after he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, his attitude and his works became better, and he became beneficial to Paul because he had experienced. Paul hopes that Onesimus has also become beneficial to Philemon, and he sends him back to Philemon with a burdened heart. As it was the custom that the slaves needed to be subjected to their masters till their period of serving was over or till the master set them free, Paul wanted to send Onesimus back to Philemon...
Read more

PRAYERS AND APPRECIATION (PHM 1: 4-7)

PRAYERS AND APPRECIATION (PHM 1: 4-7): Paul writes that he thanks his God always when he remembers Philemon and those who are with them in his prayers because he hears of their love and of the faith that they have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. He prays that the sharing of their faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in them for the sake of Christ. The fellowship in Philemon’s house was good with the genuine love towards the Lord Jesus as well as with one another, and it was also trustworthy towards one another because of the faith in the Lord Jesus. Paul praises God continuously for them whenever he remembers them, because of their genuineness and kindness, as well as their faith in Christ. Paul also prays for them that when they acknowledge and proclaim the gospel of Christ and their testimony of faith, it shall be productive, bearing fruit, for they have the required complete knowledge for everyone to know and follow what is go...
Read more

REQUEST FOR ACCEPTING ONESIMUS AS A BROTHER (PHM 1: 15-18)

REQUEST FOR ACCEPTING ONESIMUS AS A BROTHER (PHM 1: 15-18): Paul then confirms to Philemon that perhaps Onesimus was parted from him for a while, that he might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother, especially to himself, but how much more to him, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Paul looks at the positive side of the separation of Philemon and Onesimus and conveys that a short-term separation had paved the way to meet him and know the Lord, thereby being useful forever after his return. Before Onesimus was a slave who was bonded to the master as per their regulations without any independence. Paul suggests Philemon look at him no longer as a bondservant but as a beloved brother, being the children of God together. Paul had already acknowledged Onesimus to be his child by his closeness and now as his brother in Christ by his faith, and persuades Philemon to consider him as brother also, as he had been associated for a lo...
Read more