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 longer time and known for his hospitality and kindness. Paul advises not just to do it based on faith in the Lord but also in the flesh to partake in the blessings that the Lord has vested, as brothers who dwell together in unity.

Paul continues his persuasion by writing that if Philemon considers him his partner, he shall receive Onesimus as he would receive him. Paul again goes back to remind his relationship and places Onesimus in his place to make his request more personal, putting more weight on his request. Paul then writes that if Onesimus has wronged Philemon at all, or owes him anything, he shall charge it to his account. Paul doesn’t want Philemon to be left deceived and lost, but instead wants to make himself feel full, and he is ready to compensate and rectify things genuinely in a more amicable and approachable way, if Philemon wants, and if Onesimus had been destructive that much. Paul again shows his intention of not exploiting or taking advantage of one’s goodness, irrespective of his authority and his relationship. 

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.     How does Paul look at the positive side of the separation of Onesimus?

2.     What does Paul mean by saying ‘he might have him back forever’?

3.     How did Paul request Onesimus be accepted?

4.     Why did Paul request to accept Onesimus as a brother?

5.     Why does Paul tell Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive him?

6.     Why does Paul tell Philemon that if Onesimus wronged him, or owes him, he shall change that to his account?

7.     How would it be possible for us to accept a person who betrayed us as a brother?

8.     How can we repay the wrong of someone who had known the Lord through us? 

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