Bible Verse Synopsis 6-16-25

Philemon 1:

This is Paul’s letter to Philemon and Apphia, and Archippus. Paul writes this letter with Timothy while he is jailed. Verse 1 “a prisoner for Christ Jesus”. In Verse 3, Paul gives a greeting: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Shouldn’t we all greet one another in this fashion? How glorious would that be to hear whenever we come across another person?

Paul speaks to Philemon of how strong Philemon’s love and faith toward God is. Paul sees something special in him. Verse 6 & 7 - “and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” Paul wants to see Philemon grow in faith and be blessed by God to receive knowledge of the things Christ does for us. Paul, and Jesus, want this for us as well. It is only possible through faith. Do you have a strong enough faith that we can see the special amongst us as Paul does? What will it take for our faith to grow into the kind of faith where God opens our eyes to some of his mysteries?

Paul’s next direction comes as an appeal of love, not an order. He is representing the love of Christ. This love is how we are meant to live our lives. Do you feel this love?

He directs this regarding Onesimus. He is sending Philemon’s son back to him. Verse 12 - “ I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.” It seems as though Paul has grown to love him and he has been a faithful servant of the Lord and come to know Him. Paul speaks to the growth of Onesimus and how he has become like a spiritual son to Paul. Has this ever happened for us? Now that they have been separated it is time for them to be together again. The son has served Paul well, but he will be “no longer as a bond servant, but more than a bond servant, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you.” - Verse 16. Paul recognizes how much more he means to Philemon and sends him home. Paul also puts the weight of Onesimus’s past mistakes on himself. Onesimus is forgiven by Paul, can’t his father do the same, as our Father does for us? When have we taken the burdens of another unto ourselves? Are we not shaken by the thought of more burden? Christ carries the weight of the world, can we not carry one other?

Paul hopes that together they can accomplish more for the Lord. Verse 20 - “Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.” Through the works they will do in His name, Paul will be refreshed. When can we perform the duties for our leaders that refresh their faith? What action or duty are we called to show our faith through? Service for the Lord is the calling. Where is God telling you to put your feet?

Paul ends the letter in Verse 25: “The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” We should also wish this upon our friends and even our enemies. The Lord will change the hearts of any and all. Are you ready for Christ to be with your spirit, or are you keeping Him at arms length ?