Conversion solves many problems, but it creates others! What, for instance, does a new convert who committed an undetected crime before finding Christ do? Does he try to make things right, or does he just accept God's forgiveness and forget the deed? This is not a new problem; Paul and Onesismus faced it squarely. Onesismus had run away from his master's home in Colosse. Philemon, the slave owner, had every legal right to demand that Onesimus be executed. But, something happened to change all that.
When Onesimus fled his master's home, he probably stole money. He went to the dazzling city of Rome; there he met Paul. Possibly he sought the apostle out, or it may be that he was picked up by police and put in prison with Paul. Paul led the young slave to Christ and counseled him to go home to Philemon to make things right. Philemon, also a believer--and with a church in his house--owed his conversion to the apostle. Taking advantage of this relationship, Paul penned this highly personal letter to Philemon asking him to forgive the runaway and accept him as a brother. Paul even offered to pay back any monies Onesimus may have taken.
Concrete lessons are learned from this, Paul's shortest book. First, we see that the new believer must make things right even though, in doing so, he takes great personal risks. We also find that God provides people to help in such times of crisis. Furthermore, the graciousness of Paul cannot be overlooked. The Bible does not complete that story, so we do not know whether Philemon ever forgave Onesimus; however, tradition says there was an early church bishop by this name. Quite possibly, he was not only forgiven but was greatly used of God in a meaningful ministry.
“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.”
Philemon 1:17 KJV
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