Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Philemon
Paul began his letters with his name, followed by a word or phrase describing his position in relation to those to whom he wrote. He referred to himself as a servant in Romans, Philippians, Titus, and as an apostle in 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy. In writing to Philemon, however, he chose to call himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
The reasons are practical and diplomatic. Paul truly was in prison at the time, under house arrest in Rome because of his work as a missionary for the gospel of Christ. But he wrote other letters from prison without referring to himself as a prisoner. In the Colossian letter he addressed the church as an apostle. But the message he intended for Philemon required care. Paul set out to restore a runaway slave to his master. Rather than confront Philemon with heavy authority, Paul preferred to entreat him as a fellow sufferer. With this purpose, Paul identified with Onesimus the slave and appealed to Philemon’s compassion rather than his sense of duty.
The letter came also from Timothy our brother. Evidently, Timothy was in Rome with Paul at this time. He seemed always to help and refresh Paul throughout his travels and difficulties. It is possible that Philemon knew Timothy, and sending his greetings also added to the compelling nature of Paul’s letter. Designating Timothy as our brother also bound the three men in a relationship of friendship and devotion.
The letter was written to Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker.We know nothing more of Philemon than what this letter contains. From it we can deduce that Philemon was moderately wealthy. He owned a home large enough to accommodate the congregation of Colossian believers. Paul and Timothy considered him a dear friend, a man expressive of Christ’s love, committed to the missionary work, and devoted to other believers. Paul recognized in Philemon a dedication to the cause of Christ, a co-laborer in ministry.
Paul also mentioned the church that meets in your home. Christians met not in church buildings, but in homes throughout the cities of the Roman Empire. Paul addressed this letter to this group of believers because when Onesimus returned, they would need to welcome him into their fellowship. They must receive this slave as a Christian brother.
Paul began to build his case for Onesimus by reminding all these Christians that no one deserves the forgiveness and grace of God. No person gains merit before the Lord. Everyone stands equally sinful and equally guilty. Peace exists on two fronts… reconciliation and personal tranquility of soul. Paul wanted Philemon to recall that peace with God results from a judicial settlement purchased by God through Christ’s death. Paul later asked Philemon to reconcile with his former slave, to settle all accounts. In this way, they would experience the other side of peace, inner quietness which flows from righteousness.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to have a forgiving spirit to those who offend or wrong me.
- Lord, please help me to pursue peace with all men.
- Lord, please help me to be a reconciler like Paul, who stood in the gap to reconcile two brothers to each other before God.
Political
- Representative Steve Marino – District 24 – Harrison Twp
- Representative Gregory Markkanen – District 110 – Hancock
- Senator Ed McBroom – District 38 – Vulcan