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.
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.