LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for May 29: Be forgiving

One of the premier biblical texts on the topic of forgiveness is Colossians 3:13, which instructs believers to forgive as the Lord has forgiven. Closely connected to Colossians is the tiny letter to Philemon, which has forgiveness and reconciliation as its central theme.

Forgiveness is the central hallmark of the Christian movement. Jesus practiced it (Mark 2:10) and taught its practice (Matthew 6:14). Jesus classically forgave from the cross (Luke 23:34), as he offered the atoning sacrifice for humanity. Believers are enjoined to practice forgiveness that others may be conditioned to understand the greatness of the Lord’s gracious behavior.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon calls upon a brother in Christ to forgive a serious situation involving Philemon’s slave, Onesimus. The story is sketchy, but apparently Onesimus ran away from his master Philemon (v. 12), stole some of Philemon’s possessions (v. 18), perhaps to finance his flight, and at some point came into contact with Paul, who led him to faith in Jesus (v. 10). Paul then returned him to his master, asking Philemon for clemency in light of the Christian conversion of Onesimus.

Fellowship: Expressed in love (Philemon 1, 3-7)

The early portion of the letter recites Paul’s admiration of Philemon’s personal ministry. Verse 2 states that a church met in Philemon’s home. Philemon’s ministry is summarized in verse 5 by the words faith and love, two classic Christian virtues which dominate verses 4-7.

Verse 5 has a peculiar construction. Paul states: “I have heard of your faith and love which you have before the Lord Jesus and unto all the saints.” The peculiarity is that Philemon expressed his faith and love toward both Jesus and the saints. Though the grammar is unusual, the message is clear and strong: Philemon lived out his faith in and love for his Savior in such a way that others were recipients of the fruits of his faith and love. This verse reinforces the insight that one’s ministry among other people reveals the truth of one’s relationship with Jesus.

Verse 6 further explains this insight. The famous word “koinonia,” or “fellowship,” which has “sharing” at the core of its meaning, appears here. The word “effective,” which can be rendered as “active” or “productive,” is based on the verb “to work.” The word “knowledge” refers to understanding that comes through experience. “Knowledge” is a key word in Colossians, which is associated closely with this letter. Colossians 1:10 speaks of pleasing the Lord by bearing fruit in good works and growing in the knowledge of Christ.

Philemon had been engaged in a productive life of ministry which revealed his growth in knowing his Lord. Paul appealed to his knowledge of the Lord in his plea for Onesimus.

Forgiveness: Expressed from love (Philemon 8-13)

Paul’s apostolic status placed him in position to order Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus. Yet Paul rarely took advantage of his apostolic rights. Here Paul appealed to Philemon’s maturity as a Christian believer. Life goes better when people rise to the occasion. Thus Paul appealed to Philemon’s advanced standing as a practitioner of Christian love. It would go better for Onesimus and Philemon, if Philemon responded to Paul’s appeal on the basis of Christian love.

Verse 11 has a play on Onesimus’s name. His name means “useful.” He had become “useless” to Philemon because he had run away. When he met Paul, Onesimus’ life changed. Paul “begot” a child (v. 10), i.e., a spiritual child, having led Onesimus to receive Christ. Having been transformed, Onesimus became “useful” to both Paul and Philemon.

Reconciliation stands at the heart of Christian life and practice. Since Onesimus remained Philemon’s slave, he needed to return to his master (v. 12). Paul would have liked Onesimus to stay and assist him in his imprisonment (v. 13), but his reconciliation with Philemon outweighed his wishes. The kingdom of God is so focused on reconciliation that even the reconciliation of human relationships are not overruled by other kingdom “business.”

Forgiveness: Expressed as love (Philemon 14-16)

Paul informed Philemon that this Onesimus who had returned was far greater than the one who left. He now was a valuable Christian brother. Again Paul appealed to Philemon’s voluntary handling of the situation, hoping the best and even suggesting freedom for Onesimus (v. 16).

At the center of Christian living is the matter of reconciling relationships. Jesus led the way by reconciling sinful people with Almighty God. Having been reconciled to God, believers should strive to reconcile their earthly associations. Relationships forged while living in sin need to be recast as people become believers. Philemon already had been working on his relationships. Onesimus needed the same opportunity to rework his relationships and be reconciled with people, especially Philemon.

Forgiveness: Expressed in fellowship (Philemon 17-22)

Paul’s main request arrives in verse 17. He asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul. Verse 18 states Paul would repay any material losses caused by Onesimus.

This is quite an appeal on the part of the apostle. It is similar to the appeal God makes to all. Jesus paid the price of reconciliation. Believers should therefore be abundantly motivated to reconcile with others because it is God’s will that his people forgive one another and live in harmony (Colossians 3:13).