Scripture Reading: Philemon 1:1-25
When I read Paul’s letter to Philemon—a Christian who was also a slave owner—I confess that I want to be shielded from jarring talk of slavery, especially in the Bible. But nothing shielded the millions enslaved, past or present. We can’t look away from this brokenness in the world. We must consider what God is revealing through this letter about a runaway slave returning to his master.
Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote to Philemon, a friend and ministry partner in Colossae. Paul knew bondage, and he knew the source of true freedom in Christ. He also lived in a time and place where slavery was society’s norm. Nearly one third of the Roman population was enslaved, which means master-slave dynamics were unavoidable. It’s essential to note that while Paul was describing and addressing an interpersonal conflict within the context of slavery, he was neither prescribing the system of slavery nor endorsing it as a good or godly practice.
Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, had become a Christian through Paul’s ministry. He also became a faithful friend to Paul and could have continued living away from Philemon’s house. Yet Onesimus was compelled to return to Colossae and face his master. In preparation for Onesimus’s risky return, Paul sent Philemon a tactful letter, thanking him for being a faithful brother in Christ and pressing him to further exercise his faith by extending brotherly love and acceptance to Onesimus.
Paul urged Philemon to recognize and welcome Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother” (Philemon 16). Requesting that the slave be treated as a brother was radical. Legally, Philemon could punish Onesimus or even kill him for running away. No one would expect him to treat his runaway slave with kindness, let alone regard him as kin. But Paul reminded Philemon that the gospel calls for deep reconciliation that gives birth to liberation.
As Paul wrote to the church in Galatia, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). All believers in Christ are family. None is superior to another, and none can “own” another.
Each of us has been on the run. Each of us has been a slave to sin. Each of us has been forgiven and reconciled to God through Jesus and set free. May this truth refresh our hearts (Philemon 20). Jesus is not ashamed to call us kin (Hebrews 2:11), and He welcomes us into a right, good, and eternal relationship with Him. May we also remind each other that we abide in this space together as equals, sisters and brothers united in Christ.
Written by Patti Sauls
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86 thoughts on "Philemon and Onesimus"
Amen
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Amen
I was going to reply, just because I could! (Thank you, SRT Tech Team!) There were too many sisters offering prayers on my behalf, though, so I am doing a group thank you to my sweet She’s! After laying in bed longer than I should have (two hours, I think!), I got out of bed for about an hour… took half of a melatonin and was able to get to sleep when I went back to bed. Hopefully tonight will be fine. I had been sleeping well, but this last week or so has been just awful! I really wonder why. And the more I can’t sleep, the angrier I get about it. It is a vicious circle! Ugh! It makes for a long day when sleep is so hard to come by.
I understand!❤
Praying for good sleep. I am very familiar with restless nights.
This letter really touched me. I read it as a mediator sending a heartfelt message to bail someone out. “Put their charge on my tab”. Has anyone ever done this to you? Or have you ever done this to anyone? This is a lot. “I am sending him back, sending my very heart…that you might have him back forever”. That means goodbye. “He was formerly useless to you, and now he is useful to both of us…”. I don’t know why this statement reminds me of myself, and I cannot stop the tears. Spiritually before knowing Christ, one might live in ways that are self-centered, unfruitful, every believer can have a past of being “useless” in God’s Kingdom before transformation. This letter for me is a call to self reflection, to recognize the areas of “uselessness” in our lives, where sins, habits, failures, wrong priorities may hinder the spiritual usefulness. It is also a call to return to the ONE that we have wronged and broke the trust when we “ran away” like Onesimus. The runaway is the abandonment of relationship, causing disruption of the household, leaving the task unattended to in their absence. What stood out to me is another subtle detail- the transformation happened in prison for Onesimus (this is so rich!) where Paul shared the message of Christ. In prison, freedom was found (thinking of you RHONDA and the butterflies whom you care for so deeply). Today He calls us to courageously return to Him, not as a condemned slave, but a beloved child. “Put his charge on my account”, a plead written in such discretion by Paul. Did Onesimus even know Paul did this? Perhaps he could have found out later. Give thanks to the One who has put our charge to His account so we can return and be accepted by our Master. He paid our debt in full. Don’t run away no more. Embrace the courage to return. Thank you Jesus. Lead each of us back where we have run astray. In You we trust. Amen. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen, Mercy. I love everything you have written today. So perfect and such truth..
Give thanks to the One who has put our charge to His account so we can return and be accepted by our Master. He paid our debt in full.. shot through my heart, thank you.. ♥️
Yes, so good!
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Amen. Sister! Agreeing with Tina. ❤
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I didn’t notice it in my first read through, but the Lord prompted me to walk back through these scriptures today, and what really struck me in the second reading was in verse 18, when Paul says, “And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.”
“Charge that to my account.” As I read that simple phrase, I am struck by just how MUCH it really means. Paul doesn’t know the extent of what Onesimus might owe, and, as the devotional for today mentioned, Philemon would even be able to take Onesimus’s life for his disobedience. And yet, Paul is willing to take that on – to let that be charged to his account.
And how can we read that without thinking of Jesus? The ultimate example of “charge that to my account.” Feeling the praise well up as I consider this.
(Pardon the run-on sentences – channeling my inner Paul haha)
Haha, that’s what I always say with my run on’s! But yes, that is a good thing to point out!!
KIRA H- Yes, that verse resonated with me, too! I forgot to note the verse in my comment. Thanks for doing that! ❤
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I just came back to add that I awoke with the chorus of this song on my mind and I realized it fits in with today’s focus:
Rescue by Jordan St. Cyr (chorus)
When I needed rescue
Jesus, You came through
Oh, in my hardest season
Your promise held true
And every time I’ve given in
Lord, You’ve proven again that You’re still my Savior now
Jesus, You came through
When I needed rescue
Love that song! My reply button is working every time now!
Same!
Never heard this before, but loving the words..
Thanks Cee-Gee x♥️
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Amazing song and perfect fit. Fun fact, Jordan St Cyr is the nephew of my childhood friend❤️
Glad you are feeling better and it was removed successfully Wendy!! Yes, take it easy, recover in your own time! (heart)! Love that you re-emphasized that great wisdom!!
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Rebuilding trust. Reconciliation and offering grace while trying to be healed while simultaneously helping others heal their deep wounds has been a reality for my home congregation for the past several months and I expect it will continue for several more months to come. I am a BIG believer in forgiveness. I’ve witnessed its power both as the forgiven and as the forgiver. I’m praying that I’ll be singing praises of joy sooner rather than later BUT GOD alone knows the plan he has in store for us. Please remember us in prayer when you can…. In the name of Jesus I thank you.
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In just this short chapter we are reminded of examples of lives changed and transformed – Philemon and Onesimus, and then because someone else – Paul, also transformed by Jesus was obedient to the furtherance and ministry of the Gospel.
These words from Patti really stood out to me “But Paul reminded Philemon that the gospel calls for deep reconciliation that gives birth to liberation.” and “Each of us has been forgiven and reconciled to God through Jesus and set free. May this truth refresh our hearts”
What freedom and hope we have because of Jesus. Forgiveness and obedience are just so powerful and life changing and this is for us. Thank you Father. Refresh our hearts ❤️
Hooray and thank you to the SRT team who addressed the tech issues!
Thank you, sisters as well, for praying. I am on the mend for sure as far as the stone removal, but it has been slow getting back to energy and strength. A dear friend reminded me the other day, that my health baseline, physically, emotionally and physiologically is not typical or average. Recovering from general anesthesia and surgery will affect my body very differently – the anesthesia hangover could linger longer. And then managing the anxiety and PTSD, regulating my nervous takes a toll. Getting back on track will take longer. I hadn’t fully taken that all into consideration and appreciated her insight. Instead of thinking a few days recovery as they suggested, I should have altered my mindset to extend to a week or so. Each day is better and I’m getting there. Thank you for praying.❤️
Praying for a quick recovery.
Praying for your joy, peace and patience during healing ❤️.
Praying Wendy the healing process is your special time with the great healer and physician..
Much love, ❤️
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We have all been slaves to sin But God in His great mercy set us free! Not to minimize those who were or who are even now in slavery! I pray for freedom for all from sin, hatred, or bondage and for those who are actually captive in some sort of slavery in this world!
Praying for all!
Thank you for songs and insights.
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Romans 2:11 – “For there is no favoritism with God.”
This story reminds me of how our loving God is so amazing! In another devotional this morning I read that “God’s property is to always have mercy. “
Our God is SO good!
So good, Jennifer, so good.❤️
PATTI SAULS – Thank you for this beautifully written reflection of forgiveness!
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This account also reminded me of the good Samaritan, who offered to pay the expenses incurred while caring for the injured man. Of course the bigger reflection is Christ’s covering of our sin debt.
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Patti’s phrase stood out to me- “deep reconciliation that gives birth to liberation.” We know that when we forgive others it releases a peace in us, but it is also a testament to our trust and faith – a good testimony and example.
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What a beautiful note from Wiersbe:
God saves sinners by His grace (Eph. 2:8–9),
and grace is love that pays a price.
God in His holiness could not ignore the debt that we owe, for God must be faithful to His own law.
So He paid the debt for us!
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I just love that quote-
“Grace is love that pays a price.”
I’d love to have that on a t-shirt!
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On this last day of teaching in this study, I have to give a huge shout out to the writers at SHE READS TRUTH and HE READS TRUTH and to the admin and TECH TEAM! What a blessing you are!!!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Grace is love that pays a price.”
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Let’s do it and if that’s not possible-tattoos:):):)haha..❤️
Lol!!!
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What a beautiful reminder that the “gospel calls for deep reconciliation that gives birth to liberation” ❤️
Yes, that is a phrase I highlighted! ❤
Such a good passage of forgiveness, and interceding on the behalf of others for reconciliation. We are so selfish, and self-righteous, and stubborn to let things go. Don’t you love those that let negativity roll off them?!
But on the other hand, there are true, deep wounds that take years to heal. Scars from our past that leave a mark forever. Those take true forgiveness in Christ. But Paul urges, we can forgive, we don’t always have to make amends, but we see the world as broken with broken people. And only in Christ himself, will all things be made right again.
Paul urges Brothers to not only forgive, but to receive with open arms! Like Kelly, I can’t wait to know how that went. I have to admit, I am in the habit of sliding passive aggressive comments in as I forgive. I want them to know the favor I’m giving in my kindness, lol, eyeroll. Lord, forgive me for this, help me to forgive quickly, completely, and with no sarcasm or aggressiveness. I’m not funny as I think. You don’t only forgive me every.single.time! But you forget.erase. And LET IT GO!! I am more than thankful you don’t remember my past, for In Christ, I am washed clean by the blood. Thank you Jesus.
If only others would forget after they forgive. But true repentance comes with change. As Christ followers, we want to come to Jesus with a regretful heart and change our ways!! We want an eager heart to sin no more!
Is today the day you need to forgive someone? To let their mistake or wrong go and open back up to receive them? I want to urge you today to do that, you will honor the One that gives you. And you will be released from the grip of sin.
“Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” Do you know your prayers are even blocked when you have forgiveness? And you are giving an opening to the evil one? Forgive for your relationship with Jesus, to get right with Him today sister.
Would you be willing to share a story of forgiveness on our FB page today?
Sometimes, when something horrible has happened to us, we cannot forget but simply forgive. I was molested off and on for over 2 years by my stepmonster father and I cannot forget that. I have forgiven him and done so many times. My mother knew about this and did nothing to protect me. How do you forget these horrendous things? My mother continued to act horrible to me until I cut her off almost 6 years ago. I have forgiven her multiple times but I simply cannot forget. I believe it is wrong to stay forgive and forget because it’s not Biblical.
April, I am so very sorry that you endured such a horrific act. May the Lord’s love and strength cover you ❤️
Yes, that’s why I clarified in the second paragraph that there is evil in the world. You can never forget, but you can heal through Jesus.
I am so sorry for your pain, and the evil of your parents.It truly breaks my heart, I hear lots of these through my groups and prison ministry. Hear me, you are never to accept what they did, it is not of God, and it was not your fault. But the God we trust will judge them. Thank goodness you don’t have to carry that. And you will be able to be a witness to his Glory!! Lots of love to you, and I apologize if I said it wrong. I was referring to the people that forget small wrongs. (heart) And THANK YOU for sharing April. That’s one thing I love about this group, it is somewhat anonymous and easier to share when know one knows us personally. I will keep praying for healing for you.
April, I HATE that that happened to you, but I rejoice that you have been able to forgive for your heart’s sake! What yku endured was abominable, but you have not let it control your life or define you. I love Rhonda’s reply to you!
Great example of the true kinship here just as Patti mentioned in closing! Hugs, sister! ❤
I am so sorry for your terrible experiences, April. Thank you for being open here, so that your sisters can care for you. Many prayers!! ❤️
Thank you for the reminder of extending forgiveness to others. Has one of your ‘butterflies’ ever written a letter asking forgiveness from the party they wronged? That just popped into my tired mind. Just curious.
I am also reminded of the many times we coach our kids (or students if we are teachers) to say “I’m sorry” and to
“Say it like you mean it!”
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Lots of good meat today! ❤
Yes!! Actually I want to share it on our FB page sometime today!
I am going to Homeless ministry today, taking a prayer table! Please pray we have good encounters, and no demon encounters. I know they are heavy around there…it’s kinda out of my wheelhouse..!! But the devil must flee speaking Jesus! (Our Pastor was just talking about how they get mad and angry with people preaching and spreading Jesus!)
Oh, Rhonda! I had an afternoon meeting and late supper so I just saw your prayer request. How did it go?! ❤
I’m not as funny as I think I am, either! Heeheehee! (Insert crazy face emoji!)
“Coincidentally ” i was reading in Exodus 21 this morning about the laws of slavery. Interesting how God’s word validates His teachings.
We are all family as believers in Christ. We are all equal. Ah comparison is such a stealer of joy and perceived value. I’m grateful though in the eyes of God, He sees His dearly loved children. No matter are place in the world He wants to use us and the talents He has given, however varying they may be. Whether we be Philemon offering grace or Onesimus asking for forgiveness and be willing to serve.
❤️ Yes! Thanks for sharing! “One in Christ”!!
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Amen
”So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.“
Ephesians 2:19-21 ESV
This recount impresses me every time I read it. Not only for the rightness of Onesimus going back to either face the consequences or be received with open arms, but also Paul discipling Philemon while in chains himself.
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Patti mentions that at some point we were all slaves to sin. True – and it was voluntary! The highest price was paid by Christ on the cross, and provided the only path for true and total freedom. And at times (daily?!) we still choose to sin, and His forgiveness washes us clean again.
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And even with our freedom secure in Christ, we voluntarily make ourselves slaves to our own set of rules and expectations of ourselves, and others. Personal reflection needed here.
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ADRIENNE ❤️, and praying you are rested and ready for the day
CEE GEE ❤️
TAMI ❤️
AMY G ❤️
TINA ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️
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Song … He Set Me Free, 1939, Albert E Brumley Sr (also the writer of I’ll Fly Away). I can hear the clapping and toe-tapping in my mind from that little country church ….
My reply button is working, too!! Voluntary slavery, ugh. Yes. Thank you for reminding me to look for places in which I am choosing bondage over freedom.
Great reflection takeaway, SEARCHING! Thank you for sharing! ❤ Great old tune! I can hear the toe taps and the claps, too!
❤️ right back atcha! Such beautiful words in your comment, Searching..❤️
Verse 6 stood out to me. The New Living Translation renders it this way, “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”
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Paul was making a huge ask of Philemon. One day, we will learn the rest of the story…
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MARGARET W. – praying all goes well for Judy today.
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ADRIENNE – praying you got some solid sleep
Joining you in prayer for Judy.
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And rejoicing that I’m replying on my iPad!
Thank you, SRT Tech Team!!
Me too..❤️
Sandi I also use that quiet time to pray and be in God’s word. Adrienne praying for your much needed sleep so you can face the day strong.
Amen.
Amen❤️
(Oops, previously went in wrong spot!)
@ ADRIENNE, I was up feeding a little baby we have for the week (first night tonight) and thought I’d do my Devo now in case…
I pray you are NOT awake to read this (sound asleep) as I myself try to drift back off to sleep.
I love PATTI SAUL’s perspective. I also have to say …in addition, Paul’s clever wording / wit (with a sprinkle of, for lack of a better word at this hour, passive aggression) always makes me grin in this epistle.
OK…zzzz, I hope soon.
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How blessed we are that because of Jesus we are no longer slaves, no longer bond, servants, but sons and daughters of the most high God a miracle each day brings with tremendous joy and deep peace knowing that we can come for God boldly because He loves us.
@ ADRIENNE, I was up feeding a little baby we have for the week (first night tonight) and thought I’d do my Devo now in case…
I pray you are NOT awake to read this (sound asleep) as I myself try to drift back off to sleep.
I love PATTI SAUL’s perspective. I also have to say …in addition, Paul’s clever wording / wit (with a sprinkle of, for lack of a better word at this hour, passive aggression) always makes me grin in this epistle.
OK…zzzz, I hope soon.
Amen! ❤️
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Good morning, or good night, sweet she’s. I can’t sleep. This again? Grr!! Prayers, please? Thank you.
I hear you,Adrienne. I use that time to pray.
Lord, grant sleep to Adrienne whom you love. Give her insight into what is causing this issue. Amen
I was up a lot last night too. It makes for a sluggish start to the day.
Ditto here! Finally got to sleep ay 4:30 and wad up by 8. Grateful for the good few hours!
ADRIENNE- Hope you were able to get some sleep eventually! ❤
I was up too for 3 hours around this time due to loud thunder. Hope we all get more rest over the weekend!
We obviously need a “we’re awake” code or page so we can encourage each other to sleep.. Magnesium spray is my go to with a touch of bible being read to me..❤️..
Hope you have all managed your days..❤️
I would love to share my muscle relaxer and pain meds with you!! I can’t stay awake!!:)