2023/08/17 - Philemon 1 – The Runaway Returns Home
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Philemon 1 – The Runaway Returns Home
Verses for Today: (Philemon 1:10) I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Daily.Devo
This is unique among all of Paul’s epistles. It was sent to an individual, not a church or a preacher. Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon, came with Tychicus when he brought Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, the very church meeting in Philemon’s home. Paul, in Colossians 4:9 speaks of Onesimus as “the faithful, beloved brother who is one of you.”
It is addressed to “Philemon, our dear friend, and coworker, Apphia our sister, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.” This is the church that would hear the letter of Colossians read and knew Onesimus.
Paul carefully crafted this letter to show Philemon how he should receive his fugitive slave back into his home, with a hint of Philemon needing to set Onesimus free.
He told Philemon how he remembered him in his own prayers. He told how he had heard of Philemon’s love for the saints and of his faith in the Lord Jesus. He said, “I have received much joy from your love because the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.”
Then he turns to speak about Onesimus. He said, “I am bold enough to command you to do your duty. I would rather appeal to you based on love as an old man and now as a prisoner of Christ.”
“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is useful to you and to me.” The name Onesimus means useful or beneficial. Paul is saying Onesimus is not what he was, and he needs to be received as a brother in Christ.
He wrote, “I wanted to keep him with me, to be my servant in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel. I preferred to do nothing without your consent, so your good deed might be voluntary, not forced.”
He continued, “Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, not as a slave but as a beloved brother – especially to me but how much more to you, in the flesh and in the Lord.”
“Welcome him as you would welcome me.” If he has wronged you, put it on my account. I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own life (which he just said). Let me have this benefit from you in the Lord.
“I write, knowing you will do more than I say. Oh, prepare a guest room for me. I hope to be restored to you through your prayers.”
If you were Philemon, what would you do with Onesimus standing there? Roman law permitted a slave owner to do what he liked to the slave, especially a fugitive whom he finds. Release him to Paul? Keep him as a slave? Accept him as a Christian brother? Free him?
Was there more Philemon might do?
Pray for Your Self: Father, give me the wisdom to know how to handle things such as Paul foisted on Philemon. Since our nation abolished slavery, I do not expect to face a situation like this. There are other similar issues that I face. (Insert the issue you face today.) This is my prayer, in His precious name, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me) Father, I offer this prayer for all who read these words. I pray that each of us will meditate on the lessons Paul has given us in four chapters of Colossians and one in Philemon. This is my prayer, in the holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
Updates for Central
Game Night will be on Saturday, August 19 beginning at 6:30. Bring your favorite game and be prepared for a lot of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie. There will be light snacks.
Our Next Potluck Fellowship will be on August 27. Bring a dish to share, invite your family, friends, and neighbors, and have good fellowship, food, and camaraderie.
Son Quest is September 1-3. If you are going, start thinking about what to take and what to leave home. Who will your roommates be? Get ready for three days of fun mixed with some great Bible teaching. Come back fired up for Jesus!
Our Eastern European Mission “Million Dollar Sunday” contribution will be on September 24. Our entire contribution that day will go to EEM to provide Bibles for the former Soviet bloc nations. Last year, EEM distributed almost two million Bibles, up 24% from 2021. They expect to have more this year. Ukraine also received $2 Million in benevolent help due to the war.
PRAYER NEEDS
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Belinda Pate is at home but is not walking well.
Sarah, Bill Leavitt’s friend in the Philippines, is out of the hospital doing much better. He thanks us for our prayers for her.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home following surgery. Now, we need to pray for her pneumonia.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. fell, injured his shoulder, and has been in the hospital. Ruth said a couple of weeks ago he might be going into rehab soon. She needs prayers as much as Jesse does.
Kristi Holder was well enough to be at mid-week study on the 16th. Jerry said she improves daily – bit by bit.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks, with an MRI (hopefully) coming soon. She recently told me she really needs our prayers to help her through.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.