[The Epistle of Philemon] Response of Faith and LoveSýnishorn

The Basis of Love

Have you ever had to address a touchy situation with someone, hoping to use it as a means of growth and character development for that person?

The apostle Paul had this kind of problem. To solve it, he wrote to his trustworthy spiritual son Philemon to encourage him to receive back a slave. That slave was Onesimus, who fled Philemon’s household and later became a brother in the faith. If a difficult challenge was ever issued to Philemon, this was it.

To encourage Philemon into action, Paul begins by praising him. Philemon is recognized as a man of faith and love in Christ, and his witness has refreshed the believers everywhere! Isn’t that the way most of us would want to be known?

But in verses 8-9, Paul changes gears. He tells Philemon that because of his testimony, he has a request for him related to Onesimus: Don’t change who you are or your approach, but do the same thing for this runaway slave. In other words, show Onesimus the same kind of love you are known for, based on your professed faith.

Paul makes this appeal in several instances throughout his letter. On the first try, he makes his appeal based on love. Paul doesn’t use his apostolic authority to get Philemon to do what he is asking of him.

In his commentary, the New Testament scholar Peter T. O’Brien says that Paul is appealing to Philemon as one believer to another, counting on the warm relations between true friends rather than on the feigned compliments of flattery so common in the public scene of those days. Paul expects Philemon to understand what is good and right because of his committed faith in Christ and his love for God’s people.

By not exercising his apostolic right, Paul is doing what Jesus Christ did in Gethsemane. As the Son of God, He could have said, “Father, they are not worthy. I am not drinking this cup.” But He didn’t. Instead, He said, “Not My will, but Yours.” In the same way, Paul is not exercising his right as an apostle to impose on Philemon. Instead, he talks to him based on love as a true friend.

Lord, please help us to always respond in love, as Christ responded to us in love. May we have a testimony of faith and love that refreshes our brothers and sisters.