We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
What Is Philemon? Paul wrote this short letter to Philemon, a leader of the house church in Colossae, during his first imprisonment in Rome. In it, Paul asks his friend to forgive Onesimus, who was enslaved to Philemon and came to faith after running away and meeting Paul. Paul also asks Philemon to restore Onesimus to his household, demonstrating Christian love by treating him as a brother in Christ.
How Philemon Fits Into the Story: Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter, yet it is considered one of his most heartfelt. It also captures the true heart of the gospel. When we come to God in repentance and faith, He gives us a new status in the family of God. He welcomes us as if we were Jesus, who assumed full responsibility for the debt of our sin.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do Paul’s words in today’s reading teach you about forgiveness and reconciliation among believers?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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74 thoughts on "Philemon"
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
Lord we thank you lord for you are good!
The Leviticus selection was such a good one to go with Paul’s request for Philemon to welcome Onesimus home. It reminds me that we need to do more than actively help others (which often makes us feel good about ourselves). We must live in a way that looks out for others. We’re likely never to directly see the impact of that or feel someone’s appreciation, but it follows God’s way of loving others.
Today’s reading was such a beautiful reminder of redemption. Paul was only motivated by love. I too, want to say things to my fellow believers only in love, and not other motivations. I am so thankful for his word to us and how it encourages but also teaches and rebukes.
Karrie- I’m sorry to hear this. I could have written the same first sentence but with a different reason within my marriage. In my case, I feel like I have done the “head” work of forgiving (I do want to forgive and I’m trying), but I still feel so much hurt and fear that I know my heart still needs to catch up. I’m asking God for wisdom and help in this as in all things. One resource I found helpful, and you might as well, was “Forgiving what you can’t forget” by Lysa TerKeurst. I will be praying for you and your family.
Praises!!! Orthopedic doctor confirmed my left arm is over use. Med treatments and cortisone shot. Recheck in 30 days. Said rotator surgery was doing quite well. Thank you all. Prayers for each of you and your petitions ♥️
Wonderful news Claire B!
I’m not perfect and I know that I never will be on this earth. So I loved reading this section and being reminded that we all fall short, but we are to love each other no matter what. We are to forgive each other because God first forgave us. We can continue to show others kindness and grace because we are shown that every day through God.
Happy Birthday Angie!! How wonderful for you to be doing what you love to do on your birthday.
The passage today reminded me that my main purpose on this planet is to love God and love my neighbor as myself. I pray that the Lord would give me the power and the strength to do this. Lord knows I can’t do it in my own.
❤️
I’m so happy for you GramsieSue!!
Lots of goodness in today’s reading. How we treat not only our fellow believers but everyone around us is directly related to our capacity for loving. Being compassionate to the lovely and the unlovely without partiality.
❤️
Happy Birthday sweet Angie! May God fill it with immense joy. So thankful for what a gift you are to so many, including us here. May God answer your prayer this morning, I will be praying for all of you sweet Sister Teachers that you feel Jesus right beside you as you teach and love even the very difficult ones He trusts you with this year.
Dear ERB, I did leave you a short response late yesterday to your lovely words. I was feeling a little better, but woke up this morning not so great again. I read your response to Victoria and will be praying your body adjusts to the medicine and stops reacting to it, that the side effects will disappear, energy and strength return and continued improvement on everything else. Maybe we can try to get Chapter 66 on Thursday? SO thankful for this time with you in Isaiah, so very blessed and look forward one day to meeting you my Sister and all our Sisters here whether here, or in Glory.
I looked up Isaiah 65 commentary and read that in the beginning it is speaking of the Gentiles when God says, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
And then in verse 2 the commentary said might be speaking of Jewish exiles who had turned away from God – 2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face.” I love that the first verse speaks of God showing Himself to those who did not know Him. This really struck me because it is our God going after the lost sheep, Not necessarily the one that might have wandered away from the fold, but the ones who had no idea who God is. And then the next verses God having to punish the sin, of those that have turned away, provoked Him to anger, there are consequences and even have lay it in their own lap and generational punishment. The descriptions are very familiar here the things, the sins that separate us from our Holy God. But God, He meets us right where we are. This is all I have energy for dear ERB. Went to my Doctor for a Covid and Strep test, just in case. XOXO to you dear friend. Hugs Sisters all. Thank you for your prayers. Our God is good, He answers our prayers. Please pray with me sisters for a friend of mine Yvette, she just found out she has cancer because she was filling with fluid, they removed 2.8 liters of fluid yesterday. They found infection in the fluid and are checking her blood for infection today. Please pray His healing for Yvette, no infection in her blood. Our God is able to do more than we ask. His joy and peace to you in whatever your day brings.
Maura, praying for your friend Yvette
There are certain people in the church that I don’t click with, but this passage today is telling me to put those petty differences aside, and rather than avoid those people engage with them in love and humility. To thank God for such diverse people and to see everyone as the image of God.
Happy birthday, Angie! Have a wonderfully blessed day! ❤️
, Ladies, I went to the neurosurgeon today for follow up on my sub arachnoid hemorrhage and because I did not have an aneurysm there’s no further treatment. I have basically been given a clean bill of health and told I can gradually resume daily activities including driving! I am so thankful for all the prayers that you gals have prayed over me!
Hugs ❤️
GramsieSue praise the Lord such good news. I’m so happy for you. God is good!
Wonderful news!
Yay! Great news
Wonderful news GramsieSue!!
Amen thank you Lord !!! GramsieSue I am so happy to hear this great news
Foster Mama, ERB, thank you for praying for me and my family! Karrie, I am praying for you and your family. ERB, Karrie, GramsieSue, and others I am praying for your requests as well. This reading reminded me of the fundamental importance of love and forgiveness which is so needed
HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, ANGIE! It is a joy to celebrate this special day with you and ask God’s blessings for you today and in the year ahead!
MAURA, Your prayers are SOooo much appreciated! You can’t imagine.
ERB, thank you for brightening yet another morning for me! I can feel your spirit in your comments!! XOXO
I’m so pleased to hear of the positive changes in your health and pray for continued progress…healing…and continued light throughout!
ANGIE, wishing you a WONDERFUL birthmonth (yes! the entire month) to celebrate your 60th!! You are such a blessing.
I’ve prayed with each comment, my sisters. ❤️
@KD me too!
Oops! DONNA WOLCOTT – rejoicing with and praying for *YOU…I also have so many specific hugs on my “to do” list ;)…I can’t wait!
KARRIE, I feel humbled and inspired by the way you expressed your heart this morning…I am praying for you. I pray for your daughters also since, I find, it’s harder to forgive someone who has hurt someone I love than someone who has hurt me directly.
DONNA WOLCOTT – rejoicing with and praying for me…I also have so many specific hugs on my “to do” list ;)…I can’t wait!
Lord Jesus, hear ANGIE’S incredible prayer. (Give me a heart that can think and pray that thoroughly.) Even we who have never met her thank You for her 60 years thus far and pray that she will continue to shine for You and will herself receive immeasurable blessing in every aspect and relationship in her life.
MELANIE – I’m feeling you! Even when we forgive, the heartbreak doesn’t always dissipate…I’m praying for you through this. I pray also that you will continue to take care of your physical health during this time.
HEIDI – YES! Amen.
MARCY FRANCIS and MARI V – You are both absolutely right! My struggle is to be OK (trust God) when MY asking for forgiveness seems to give “carte blanche” to the other who has wronged me (?more)…I have a propensity for taking on all the weight of a failed interaction. Praying God gives me His vision. I DO know You’ve got this Lord but, sometimes tough to live it out…work in me.
VICTORIA E – I pray you are doing basking in joy & light today!!
So true, TAYLOR – that verse DOES also remind me of this community…and lifting one another up!
Praying for JIMIN.
ERB Blessings to you! MAURA I hope you’re feeling better.
Carrying you with me throughout my day GRAMSIESUE and all who have asked for prayer.
Thank you so much Foster Mama!
Oh Karrie – praying for you.
So often I find myself saying “I love them but I don’t like them very much right now” and then I use that as an excuse to respond with bitterness. But we see in these passages that loving someone means responding with forgiveness and compassion. Oh Lord may I not make excuses to harbor hurt, may I not hide behind a fake claim of love, may I truly have a heart of reconciliation toward my brothers and sisters. Amen.
Love FORGIVES!
No matter what, where, when or who, our job as believers is simply to love. Our (my) humanness causes the straying by trying too hard at times by trying to fix. It truly is that simple – just love, give whatever it is to God, as it is HIs to ‘fix’.
Praying for you and your daughters, Karrie. May God bless, encourage, and strengthen you all through this time. May all hearts be healed by His grace and mercy.
We as believers set the stage, the example for the unbeliever. Whether we like it or not, we are being watched. I must keep myself in check. Do I mess up it? Yep! However I don’t want to be known as a pain in the… Ever! There are times in my workplace, even though I have been wronged, I ask for forgiveness. I need to set the example.  I am, we are, Christ ambassadors. Even though I don’t like messing up and I can be hard on myself, my mission is to represent Christ. Even when it hurts.
Praying for you SRT teachers, whether in a school or home schooling. Blessings, strength and peace.
In ALL things and ALL ways, forgive and love each other as Christ loves & forgives us. Let go of anger, jealousy, resentment, bitterness, pride, and any other hardness of heart that you may have towards another person. Do this so that you may be more aligned with the holiness of Christ.
MAURA, dear friend.. I didn’t get your message yesterday until after I had already posted… I do hope that you are feeling better and more rested!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! Please take the time and rest you need!! It’s so important!! As my doctors always say to me “sleep is when the body does its best healing” so REST my dear friend… because it is when we are resting (especially in His arms) that God is able to do His best restoring!! If you want to read what I wrote about Isaiah 65 it is in yesterday’s comments… I will wait to hear from you before moving forward. Much love to you!! Xoxo
God forgave us because of Jesus. We forgive others on the same basis. He forgives completely. So are we to forgive completely. God forgives with a heart that desires to restore. We are to forgive in that same attitude. Forgiveness is an act of the will, despite our emotions. God deals with our emotions as we choose to forgive. I have learned to say the words “Lord, I forgive -name- for -transgression- because You have forgiven me.” Each time I remember what happened, or feel the hurt and anger rising, I say “Lord, I have forgiven that.” It is amazing how He takes away my hurt and anger in a short amount of time. I begin to see the person with His eyes and can pray for them and in some cases, serve that person in love. FORGIVENESS IS FREEING.
NADS, it is always SO wonderful to hear from you!! You are a treasure and I appreciate your insights and your faithful prayers and encouragements!! SO glad you were encouraged by the scripture in Isaiah 65:24 yesterday!! It really stood out and encouraged me!!! What an AMAZING God we serve!!!
Hope you are doing well my friend!! Many Blessings be upon you!! Xoxo
When I was a sinner- Christ died. When I was dead in my sin- Christ forgave. When I had no concept of love- He first loved me.
These examples are blaring in my head this morning.
There is ZERO. action on my part when it comes to getting God’s love and forgiveness. Zero. He claimed it on the cross- “forgive them. They don’t even know what they are doing”. This wasn’t an annoyed “oh for heavens sake, just forgive them already.. geesh, they’re idiots”. ;) It was a heartfelt, passionate, pleading from my savior to His Father- one that He answered and did. For me. For no reason on my part.
The moment I attach any action of my own to the reason for my forgiveness- even in small part- I take the power of God away from Him and claim it as mine. Now I HAVE suddenly played a role in my own forgiveness. THAT in itself is a whole topic… It’s by grace I’m saved. Again- if I attach ANY action or thought or work, no matter how tiny it may be, then it is no longer grace. If it’s no longer grace, the Bible is no longer true bc I’ve now found a portion to be false.
MY POWER in forgiveness is using His power to extend it to others. Anyone. Everyone. No matter the offense. It does not ever “ok” their wrong. It doesn’t immediately heal my hurt. It puts the power of God over the wrong that’s been committed and allows His hand to hold it and use it for the good of His people and his great love for me. It lets Him have the responsibility of dealing with the offender and the offense, and me the freedom to find healing and not allow that offense to be a part of me. What I learn, how I grow, the experience of healing- ALL OF THAT gets to be a testimony of God’s unbelievable grace and love and power to so many others who are hurting with no hope. It becomes a real, human example to other hurting humans that there is more to experience in pain than just pain, hurt, devastation. “We don’t grieve as those with no hope” (1 Thes 4:13) – it never says we don’t grieve as believers. It says we can do it with hope. And without accepting His undeserved grace, without forgiving others who have done wrong, all we represent to an already hurting world is that there is no hope. That even those of us who claim to have grace sufficient for today, really don’t.
We forgive because He forgave us. And the minute we forget that is the minute we allow ourselves to no longer see the enormous depth and consequences of our own sin.
Fact is- My sin killed an innocent Man. If I can’t forgive someone else, I allow that death to be in vain. Forgiveness is not easy. But for the sake of the cross and the sake of His Kingdom, it is so so necessary.
Amen Heidi
VICTORIA E, sorry that I didn’t respond to you yesterday…it was a really full day for me!! I totally hear you on not understanding the suffering of little babies, it truly is heartbreaking to witness. But something that I have learned, experienced and seen in action is how God COMES IN during those times… we might not be able to see it with our human eyes (not fully at least) but if we look with our spiritual eyes (beyond the suffering that is right before us) we CAN SEE the lovingly merciful & grace-filled hand of God at work, ministering, comforting and taking these souls to a place of indescribable peace where pain/suffering do not exist. It’s almost like they are in different place…like they are experiencing & living IN the new Heavens and new earth that the scriptures describe!! Their bodies may look to be suffering and in pain because physically they are, but there truly is a PEACE that passes ALL understanding…and in those moments God just takes over!! He takes ALL the pain, the grief, the sorrow, the struggle…He takes EVERYTHING on so we can be FREE and unified with Him. And in Him, there is NO darkness and NO pain!!! It is my belief that God didn’t create us (as humans) to experience pain/suffering/sorrow but that He created us as fellowship partners & companions. It was only after the “fall” of humankind that pain/suffering/sorrow were introduced (as a consequence) and came into the picture… God gave us choice, and choices have consequences, which can (& will) effect generations… we do not always understand the consequences, but they are there.. there so that we may come back to God, to come back into FULL and COMPLETE fellowship with Him. I believe that full & complete RESTORATION to God and who He originally created us to be (completely unified with Him, no suffering/sorrow/pain) IS the new Heavens and the new earth!! …sorry for the long response… hopefully God will give you something out of it… I am continuing to pray for you, your husband and your dear little one!! As difficult as it is TRY to stay IN the moment. Don’t project… let your anticipation (& anxiousness) be filled with JOY …even if that means you have to declare it out loud to yourself!! ;) ….you asked how I was doing… I am definitely noticing a positive change!! My absences are getting better (not as many, not as long/severe) and the memory loss is less than it has been.. but I am still experiencing side effects.. super tired, foggy, headaches, extremely nauseous along with intestinal issues. All normal for me when I increase my meds. I am praying (& have faith) that my body will eventually adjust and recalibrate. ALL glory to GOD!!!! Here’s to ALL things new!!! Love you friend!! Xoxo
ERB thank you for this response. It indeed has helped me. That was always a point of confusion for me that I had just chosen to not think about. Thank you so much for praying for me and my family. Your prayers are truly appreciated! And I am so glad your seizures are getting better. I am praying that the side effects lessen and the seizure control continues !
Watching the choice to move through forgiveness despite the devastating sin against her has been the most jaw dropping thing I have watched this year. Seeing someone grieve the sin done against them AND seeing the grief of the offender. Only God can reconcile people. And then you know that you’ve witnessed a miracle because the world would look in and say it’s impossible and not necessary to forgive. But God…
And to Him she desires to give glory for the ways He has moved in their lives. Only God can provide the conviction, humility and forgiveness. It’s not always easy to forgive, but God can do more than we can ask or imagine.
You can forgive anything even if society says otherwise.
The reading was perfect for some yuck we are walking through right now. It’s hard when others want to cut you from their life if you don’t follow their rules. They have asked for us to walk away from the family and it was heart breaking to hear these words. I read these verses and was reminded we are commanded to forgive. Praying a great school year for those who have started and revival in our land
Such a heartfelt request from Paul, made with faith that Philemon would indeed accept Onesimus back…. We should read and reflect on Philemon often!
Marcel may I add an AMEN to your comment! Sisters may I ask for prayers for safe travel as I go to visit my daughter and her family in WY. So looking forward to those hugs, it has been a year. This weekend I will be worshiping in the Big Horn Mtns. with her church on their annual camping weekend. Blessing to all.
This mornings reading really spoke to me as I have been struggling with forgiveness in my marriage. Is it a very hard pill to swallow your pride and forgive after infidelity but I am trying to. My husband is begging me to work things out with him and is doing all the right things but I am lost. I have 2 very angry teenage daughters that would choose to have nothing to do with him if I allowed that but I have told them I am encouraging forgiveness cause anger will only make u an ugly person later in life. I pray everyday God will lead me in the right direction, to soften our hearts and to give me the strength I need to fight for our family.
Thank you @Laura for your kind words yesterday. This community has given me a reason to wake up each morning and I am truly grateful. ❤️
Forgiveness, reconciliation and love are precious things in our Christian walk. Through our relationship with Christ and communion with the Holy Spirit within us, we have the ability to forgive things the world deems “unforgivable.” This can be testimonial! How wonderful. Christ changes hearts. The world doesn’t believe people can “change” and that is because true change requires a spiritual nudge or impetus. We have hope for full reconciliation with Christ despite our sins and shortcomings and thus so are equipped with the grace to offer the same reconciliation to our neighbors. Forgiveness and love are cornerstones of our Christian faith and are such powerful things! How wonderful to be able to commune with our God who values these things above all else. ❤️ I am thankful.
Letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts allows us to forgive and love one another. If I don’t abide in His Peace, I am fearful, angry, defensive, judgmental… the list goes on and on. Grounding myself in His Peace and soaking in it gives me no reason to be fearful or angry. I have my feet on The Solid Rock, Who covers all my fears and all my sin- and my hearts turns to loving and encouraging. Let it be so Lord!
Happy birthday Angie!!!! And praying alongside you for you and all the teachers here at SRT! Galatians 6:2 reminded me of SRT (carrying each others burdens). Galatians 6:9 encouraged me to not become weary in doing good and staying the course. Hoping I reflect Colossians 3:12 demonstrating compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to my patients today. And praying Colossians 3:15 for Christ’s peace to rule in my (and all of our) hearts today! Love to all <3
Forgiveness. So easy to say. So hard to do. I like to see myself as a person who doesn’t hold grudges. The reality is I can let things people say or conflict with others eat at me and replay it in my mind over and over. That’s not forgiveness. God help my heart to be quick to forgive. Help me recognize bitterness manifesting and surrender my heart to you. Again and again.
Amen!
Amen!
Today is my 60th birthday and the first day of school for our students.
Yesterday we were able to have an all-staff meeting in our high school. In the middle of the speeches I found myself praying for the students and teachers that would be going back. I prayed for my own 7 girls. I prayed for every high school girl and boy and the pressures they face. I prayed for peers among them who would stand boldly in their love for Jesus. I prayed for redemption and renewal for our children, elementary, junior high or high school. I prayed specifically for everyone of those who feel lost and forgotten. (Today I add to that prayer that they will know they are “seen” by our God and Father who loves them and has the best planned for them.) I prayed so much.
Then as our new superintendent spoke and first challenged us to block out all the noise that would distract us from our calling in this world today, and second affirmed and continued to challenge our putting students first, not just academically but as people. People who need to be seen, communicated with, respected, guided, and given hope in their todays and tomorrows, building upon and using for good all their yesterdays and their unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Then I prayed for all the adults involved in the schools. The leadership needed, organization, time, protection, guidance, and stamina. I prayed that they would remember and take seriously the calling of teaching and make the most of each day, not just for themselves but for every heart and mind they encounter.
Then today as we prepare to go back (or earlier in the week, or soon), to all the teachers here at SRT I pray blessings. From Kathy whose heart makes a difference for our high school kiddos to Sissy M. and Sarah Ritchie who love on the littles and in-between. I pray God’s armor would be upon us all to protect and guide us in presenting the truth in love. I pray according to Colossians that we would be known for our love, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience (that’s a big one), compassion, forgiveness and goodness in Christ Jesus. We have another new start. We can spend it worrying about all the what-ifs that are reining down on us presently, or we can step forward knowing we are covered in the armor of the Almighty God. We do not go forward alone. And we can find joy in the opportunity and blessing we have been entrusted with to be God’s light in this world in our public, private, or homeschooling classrooms in this moment. Parents, thank you for the blessing of this opportunity. Father God, anoint each one of us with your strength, power and love. Amen.
Beautifully said. Thank you Angie.
Oh my goodness what a beautiful way to start my second day back. Thank you!
Amen Angie and happy birthday! We are thankful for you and your prayers and encouragement here! May God continue to bless you!
Happy Birthday to you, Angie! Thank you for your prayers for so many at the beginning of a brand new school year!
Happy Birthday, Angie!
Forgiveness and reconciliation are two of the most important things we do for each other as believers. It is what Jesus did for us. How can we do anything less?
These verses are so timely and so perfect for today. My students come back today. I’ve got my armor on and now need to be sure I have put on Love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I am choosing today to be thankful and let the peace of Christ, to which I was called in one body, rule in my heart.
Be a lovely light today.
I love this Kathy, thank you.
Christ so freely forgives us our sins so we must do the same for others. At times this isn’t easy but boy what a joy we have in our hearts when we truly do this!
Christs Joy completes us.
Amen!
1. We should be quick to forgive (not necessarily to forget) as we have received undeserved forgiveness from Christ. Idealy, the offending party should humbly ask for forgiveness and seek reconciliation.
2. God’s forgiveness is based on my repentance and Christ’s payment of my debt. In response to this outpouring of love, I seek reconciliation and complete restoration of my relationship with God.
Love each other.
We are called to forgive. It’s not always easy, but God knows unforgiveness is not good for us. I heard it said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for someone else to die. Thankfully, we can pray for help with this. I heard a pastor say that when he thinks of all God has forgiven him of, he has to forgive. This makes it easy for him. (I’m paraphrasing) However, that is a good way to think of it. We’ve all been forgiven and Jesus took the full wrath of God for us. I listened to a teaching by Tim Keller that talks about what Jesus went through in the garden of Gethsemane. (Please listen if you can.) Also, this message talked about why we have trouble forging and why we get bitter, and he talks about the antidote to this. If you don’t want to hear the whole message, you can go to about 30 minutes in.
Here is the link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=
I think what the ladies wrote above in the summary is a great answer to the second question!
Prayers for you all today!
We do not abide in this world… but faith, hope, and love do. The most perfect being love.