The Subject of the Appeal. Philemon 15-16.
For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, No longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother – especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Dear Holy Nation,
Paul continues to prepare the ground for his request concerning Onesimus.
Timeliness (v. 15).In all things and events, Paul sees the eternal plan of God. When Onesimus fled from Colossae, he and his master belonged to two different destinies. Now as Onesimus returns, his brief flight is contrasted with the eternal, common destiny that he and Philemon now have. Paul says the escape was worth it because it was part of the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. That is not to say he approved of what Onesimus had done – on the contrary, he as much as says that God’s plan is in spite of Onesimus’ folly.
Transformation (v. 16). The Onesimus who returns to Philemon at Colossae is a totally different one. More than a slave, he is now a brother in Christ. Paul emphasizes his bond with Onesimus, but yields that the greater benefit is to Philemon, the same who would have been the greatest loser, had his slave not returned. He now receives his slave back, but as a brother in Christ – more valuable by far, compared to the fugitive that had fled before.
We should see in this the great value that Paul places on the bond of Christ. It supersedes all others, including family ties. The “next of kin” for us should be those of the family of God.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.