Lesson 4945

 (Lesson 4945) (08-15-25) Philemon 1:8-23 

   “Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a believer through Paul’s ministry. Paul described Onesimus as once rebellious but now profitable both to Paul and to Philemon. He sent him back, considering him as his own heart, and asked Philemon to receive him not merely as a slave but as a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul offers to repay any wrong or debt Onesimus may owe, reminding Philemon of his own spiritual debt to Paul. He also asked Philemon to prepare a place to stay, hoping to visit him soon. Paul closed with greetings from several fellow workers and a blessing of grace. ~