The book Philemon is probably one of the most overlooked books of the New Testament, but its delivers a powerful and authentic look at what true reconciliation is. Philemon was an Overseer within the Church of Colossian. Although we don't know much about him, we do know that was indeed and slave owner and probably wealthy. Onesimus was a salve of his that had escaped and went to Paul while he was imprisoned.
The most intriguing aspect of this letter was how Onesimus became a Christian and hence became a Brother in Christ with Philemon. Paul sent Him back to his master not as a slave, but as an equal within the Body:
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
This was so profound for that time. A slave and master as equals and receiving the Spirit of Truth together as sons of the most The High. I always found this letter to be a great illustration of Christs power of unification. This is still very much relevant for today. I just wanted to express gratitude to the Lord for showing us a perfect example of reconciliation, love, and forgiveness.
The most intriguing aspect of this letter was how Onesimus became a Christian and hence became a Brother in Christ with Philemon. Paul sent Him back to his master not as a slave, but as an equal within the Body:
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
This was so profound for that time. A slave and master as equals and receiving the Spirit of Truth together as sons of the most The High. I always found this letter to be a great illustration of Christs power of unification. This is still very much relevant for today. I just wanted to express gratitude to the Lord for showing us a perfect example of reconciliation, love, and forgiveness.
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