Fugitive and Forgiven

Good Morning,

There is a short little book in the New Testament tucked in between Titus and Hebrews. It is a letter from Paul to his dear friend and fellow-worker Philemon. It centers around a man name Onesimus, who was a fugitive slave of Philemon’s.

For reasons we don’t really know, Onesimus had fled from Colossae, Philemon’s home. and found himself in Rome. Rome would have normally been a good place to hide, but God had his eye on him. Wouldn’t you know it, he encounters the Apostle Paul while he “just happens” to be there. It is there in Rome, while on the run, that Onesimus accepts Christ into his life. 

Paul and Onesimus become very close and Onesimus becomes a big asset to Paul. But Paul also longs to use this man’s transformation as both a challenge and example in the life of Philemon.  So, Paul appeals to Philemon, to take him back, no longer as a slave but as a partner in the spreading of the gospel.  Paul makes a very heartfelt, passionate ask of Philemon. His plea is not one devoid of some gentle pressure. Still, he clearly tells Philemon to do what he is inclined to do not just what Paul asks him to do.

It is a real-life story of the tension between love and the law – between grace and one’s rights. Philemon had a choice to make. Would he stand on his legal rights or offer grace in such a way many would undoubtedly not understand? Both Roman law and the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament gave Philemon the right to punish a runaway slave. But Philemon chooses something difficult, and far better. He chooses to forgive.

We don’t know how much he wrestled with this choice, but the choice to forgive is frequently difficult. It is a decision based on trust not feelings. Restoration and renewal often come after the act of forgiveness, not before.  We see the beautiful result of forgiveness which allowed both master and slave to fellowship in love on an equal basis in the body of Christ. In fact, research tells us that Philemon’s acceptance of Onesimus as a brother in Christ helped lay the foundation for the abolitionist movement centuries later.

This story is relevant for us personally. Through salvation, the fugitive sinner (us) finds undeserved grace, forgiveness, and freedom that is found only in Jesus.  Aren’t you glad?

Questions to Ponder this Week:

1.    How are you doing in the balance between forgiveness and your rights?

2.    Will you make the difficult choice?

Live on purpose,

Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC