Forgiveness transforms mankind (Chap.1)
Philemon was a true man: (1:1-3):
Philemon was a wealthy member of the Colossian church. His wife Apphia and son Archippus formed a faithful family having a good standing in the church. The Colossian church used to meet in his house, and he was active in Christian service. Paul had never visited Colossae (Col.2:1), their friendship probably developed during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. Paul would have witnessed the transformation of Philemon’s life through Gospel while in Ephesus. So Paul took this for the spiritual cause of forgiveness and reconciliation for both Philemon and Onesimus.
Philemon was a faithful man (1:4-5):
Philemon was indeed a God’s chosen instrument. Epaphras, Philemon’s pastor at Colossae, was with Paul in Rome (1:23) at that time. He, too, could testify about Philemon. That combined testimony to Philemon caused Paul to say to him, “I always thank God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints” Paul was always able to give thanks to God when he prayed for Philemon. He knew nothing negative about him. Paul does not give any correction or suggestion. Everything Paul heard about Philemon was good. There was no threatening language that might assume Paul felt forgiving Onesimus would be difficult for Philemon, but the Holy Spirit would convince him.
Philemon was fruitful man: (1:6-7):
Philemon was not an elder, or deacon or a teacher in the church. Most likely, he was a businessman. But he was a man of great kindness, a source of blessing to everyone. That kind of person, Paul knew, could be counted on to forgive anyone. Paul surely assumed that Philemon knew the biblical principles that lead Christians to forgive.
Paul had heard of the faith which Philemon had toward the Lord Jesus. As a genuine believer, Philemon was concerned about the church and desired to please the Lord. Because the Lord had forgiven him, Philemon could forgive others. Conviction from the indwelling Holy Spirit and from the Word of God would also provide the impetus for Philemon to do what was right. Philemon’s unwavering faith gave Paul confidence in his willingness to forgive.
A glance at Onesimus:
Onesimus was a runaway slave of Philemon. He was not a very good man, but lazy, resentful, rebellious and eventually decided to run away. So he can obviously go to big cities so that he can hide (as teenagers are doing now-a-days). He goes to Rome where he meets Paul chained by Romans and was transformed and becomes a Christian. Paul said you got to go back to your master. In those days the normal punishment for a runaway slave was crucifixion, but if his master was kind, he would merely brand him on the forehead with the letters ‘FF’ meaning “fugitilis” (or ‘fugitive’). He would have to wear the brand forever and he could live. Paul said it is important for him to return, very important for Onesimus not to run away from his past. An important part of repentance involves putting the past right or restitution.
Many people think that when they become Christians they can run away from their past. We can’t run away from our marriage or diverse. Now we are a new creature (2 Cor.5:17). Now we can handle those commitments properly. When Zachchaeus met the Lord Jesus Christ he did not say “from now-on-wards I will keep my finances properly” but said “I will pay 4-times for my wrong doings and distribute half of my wealth to the poor.” Jesus said “today the Salvation has come to this man.”