Conclusion:
The Christian needs to keep in mind the distinction between “accepted in Christ” and “acceptable to Christ.” The one who has trusted Christ for salvation is accepted in Christ and can never be rejected by the Father. Whenever believers sin, although they are accepted, but their actions are not acceptable. It is necessary to confess that sin and receive Christ’s cleansing (1 Jn.1:9). Because we are accepted in Him, we have ‘Son ship’ as we live lives acceptable to Him, we have fellowship.
Paul closed with personal greetings to Philemon and his household, reminding his friends of the many obligations they had to him. In fact, they owed their very salvation to Paul. The apostle was sure that Philemon would go “the extra mile” and do even more than he had requested. It is touching to read Paul’s request for their prayers and for a place to stay when he was released from prison. How wonderful to have Christian friends who are concerned with the physical and spiritual needs of others.
This brief letter is priceless for that it reveals about the heart of Paul. It also illustrates what Christ has done for the believer. The two phrases that summarize the letter are: “receive him as myself” (1:17) (our identification with Christ) and “put that on my account” (1:19) (justification because our sins are laid on Christ). Paul is showing here that his personal Salvation in Christ became the way he chose to live. All that Christ did for him, he now did for others. It’s a beautiful example of ‘working out our Salvation’. May the Lord help us to live a life of worthy in His sight.
Further as per the traditions, Onesimus was later taken to Rome and martyred for his undeniable faith in Jesus.
The Greetings: (1:23-25)
Paul sends greetings and mentions all his fellow companions. It is good to have a brief look at them.
Epaphras: (Col.1:7, 4:12-13, Phil ): He was probably converted under the ministry of Paul. He was most likely the founder of the churches at Colossae and its neighbouring cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. He was a native of Colossae (Col. 4:12), and hence well known to Philemon. He was probably the pastor of the church that met in Philemon’s home. He was a faithful servant of Christ much devoted in prayer, with a deep pastoral care for his people. He was even placed in Prison for the cause of Gospel along with Paul.
Mark: He was none other than John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas and author of the gospel that bears his name. His unwilling to go with Paul in the missionary journey (Acts 13:13) led to a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-39). In the course of time, Mark became a changed man through the discipline of Paul, Peter and Barnabas. He became so valuable to Paul that the apostle asked for him shortly before his death (2 Tim.4:11).
Aristarchus: He was a Jewish believer (Col. 4:11), a native of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4; 27:2). He had a long association with Paul, and had been through some rough times with him. He was with Paul during the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29), and on the ill-fated sea voyage to Rome that ended in shipwreck (Acts 27:4). He was Paul’s beloved fellow-worker, and was with him in his imprisonment (Col. 4:10). According to tradition, he was martyred in Rome during the persecutions under Nero.
Demas: (2 Tim.4:10): He was a companion of Paul but later deserted Paul because he loved the world. “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn.2:15).
Luke: He was a physician and good companion of Paul (Col. 4:14). He was a Gentile Christian doctor and the author of the third gospel and also Acts of Apostle. He was a frequent traveling companion of Paul, and no doubt he helped to care for the apostle’s frequent physical ailments. He was a faithful and loyal friend to Paul, and he alone was with him in his final days (2 Tim.4:11).
Bibliography:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions please contact, Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994; Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com