Elizabeth Weber
Although just one chapter and 25 brief verses, the book Philemon is dynamite; it reveals the power of mercy to transform a life. It is the story of three different individuals from three different backgrounds and past identities that have now become Christ followers, with three new hearts and three changed destinies.
First is the apostle Paul, a highly educated Jew, previously a Pharisee, now a believer and currently in a Roman prison. Secondly, Onesimus, a runaway slave from the house of Philemon in Colossae; he ran to Rome, the biggest city at that time. Eventually Onesimus becomes a believer and somehow gets connected to Paul. Onesimus visits and ministers to Paul in prison. Third is Philemon, a wealthy Roman citizen and businessman who became a believer when he heard Paul teaching about the Gospel, probably in Ephesus. Philemon now leads a home congregation, instructing believers in the way of the Gospel.
As we read through the story, let’s step into each of these men’s lives and ask ourselves some challenging questions. What would I do in this situation? What have I done in past similar situations? What type of a mentor or leader am I? How readily do I release mercy to others?
Let’s keep in mind one definition of mercy is, withheld punishment.
Here’s the story. Paul becomes aware that although Onesimus is a believer, he is also a runaway slave. Since Onesimus has broken civic law and wronged Philemon (possibly stolen from him to start a new life in Rome), how should Paul respond as mentor? Paul writes a letter of appeal to Philemon and directs this letter to be read to the entire congregation that Philemon leads. Remember that Paul is also a mentor to Philemon and an apostle to the New Covenant church.
Paul appeals to Philemon from the premise of Christ’s love instead of his authority as an apostle. He does not want Philemon to respond to this situation with either compulsion or favoritism for the relationship Philemon has with Paul. In verse 14 Paul reminds Philemon of his reputation for ministering to the saints; verse 7, Paul makes it clear to Philemon that Onesimus is now a beloved brother and a fellow saint. Verse 16, Paul encourages Philemon to see Onesimus through the eyes of Christ specifically saying, “Formally Onesimus was useless to you but now he is useful to you and to me.” Verse 11, Interestingly, the name Onesimus means useful or profitable. Paul hopes Philemon will see Onesimus as useful or profitable in the kingdom of God not as a returning slave for Philemons business. Should Philemon be unable to righteously respond to Onesimus he will limit Onesimus' ability to express the gifts God has placed in him for the sake of the Kingdom. Finally in verse 17, Paul challenges Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul.
Every verse in this short book is deeply meditative and powerful but especially note verse 18. Paul writes, “If he (Onesimus) has wronged you at all or owes you anything, charge it to my account.” This is a picture of Christ. Colossians 2:13-15. We as leaders are called to take the same position.
Now that you have hopefully read through this book, focus on each man’s position and ponder some difficult things. Concerning Paul, he was in a very painful position as mentor because he had become a father to Onesimus and Onesimus, a son to Paul. Verse 10. Paul had to release “his son” to the Lord. Paul knows well that as a leader and mentor he must operate in God’s wisdom. As a leader, do I have proper expectations of those that I am mentoring and leading? Healthy leaders want to see those they are leading to soar higher than themselves. Note that Paul did not focus on Onesimus’ sin nor the sin issue of slavery. Why? Just like Father God, Paul knows that for righteous change to happen, whether it be in a persons mind or an outcome, the person’s heart must be changed first, by the power of the Gospel.
What was the challenge for Onesimus? He decided to return to Philemon and ask forgiveness for running away and possibly stealing from him as well. Onesimus had no guarantee of the outcome nor could he control it, as being a runaway slave he could be tortured or killed according to civic law at that time. Yet he made the decision to surrender his life and trust his future to the Lord.
Finally for Philemon, this letter would be read to the entire congregation. Members and new converts coming in to the congregation would be watching his response in this situation and following his example. Would I allow myself such vulnerability? Would I be angry with Paul for challenging me before those I’m leading or would I have expected a private meeting with Paul first. Philemon had been wronged, but could he submit his heart to the Lord and release forgiveness and mercy to Onesimus? Would Philemon receive him as a brother and not hold a grudge against him until he felt Onesimus had paid his dues well enough to be fully accepted? Would Philemon be tempted to uncover Onesimus' sin before others bringing shame and planting seeds of judgement in other congregation members toward Onesimus? Remember that Onesimus would be sharing with Philemon at the communion table of the Lord as well.
The covenant table represents that all parties are in agreement and any rift, problem or issue between them had been resolved and never to be discussed again. Lastly, I wonder how Philemon continued to view and treat the issue of slavery in his life, business and congregation. Just because someone is a leader does not mean they have God’s heart perfectly on every issue. Christian leaders especially need to be engaged in continual transformation as Holy Spirit is always revealing the truths, ways and statutes of Christ.
So these three men that had been completely transformed by the mercy of God in their own lives are now in a position to extend mercy to one another although the way mercy would be extended will appear different. Would these men extend mercy without partiality to all others that would come in contact with their lives as they continued to follow Christ or would they do so only if they received what they personally expected in this situation. From what premise do I frame my responses toward people in the every day issues? Do I respond from understanding covenant with God or from human evaluations and wisdom? Would these men submit their hearts to permit this level of maturity in relationships? Do I?
The Gospel of Christ provides both forgiveness and mercy at the same time. They are not independent from one another. The ultimate goal is always the restoration of all people back to God. But people need to see restoration as a reality in their own life first before they can willingly extend it to others. As Christ ambassadors, we communicate the Gospel by the actions, forgiveness, mercy and then restoration. All three matter, none can be eliminated.
Lest you dismiss the challenges in this tiny letter by saying you are not in a leadership role; the fact is every Christian is a leader because true leadership is influence. On a daily basis, in whatever we are doing or saying we are influencing in one direction or another.
Consider the ripple effect of one act of mercy in one individual‘s life. Mercy released will continue to deliver the Gospel to others long after we are gone. May I encourage you to confidently know that only in heaven will you fully see the fruit of mercy extended. Knowing it will cost us so much in every situation, nevertheless, we choose to act righteously; it is our calling and so very worth it. The harvest is waiting; what will your response be to those who come across your path?
Leave a legacy of mercy; let mercy triumph!
James 2:12-13 Speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. (Law of love, Law of Christ) For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Elizabeth Weber
Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. Presently she works as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. You may contact Elizabeth at: info@thecovenantcenter.com