In his letter to Philemon, Paul writes the following words:
“I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, so that the fellowship of your faith may be effective for the knowledge of all the good that is in us for Christ Jesus. For much joy and encouragement I have had through your love, as the innermost of the saints has been soothed by you, brother.”
Phil 4-7
It is amazing with what words Paul addresses Philemon. It was an “aged Paul” (Phil 9) who wrote this letter concerning Onesimus. Onesimus was probably a runaway slave who had come to faith through Paul. Philemon was his owner, and Paul addresses Philemon in this letter to let Onesimus free so that he could serve with Paul.
So the concern of the letter is not a simple one. But that’s not what Paul starts with. He gives thanks first. Then he remembers all the good that Philemon did, especially for the family of faith. What Philemon did, Paul heard from others. They have reported positively about Philemon. One can imagine that Philemon not only had slaves, but was also correspondingly rich. Philemon used his wealth for the community. He has done good. Philemon was a man of faith and his activities were the testimony that Paul had heard.
Faith becomes effective through love (Gal 5:6). This is also the case here with Philemon. Love and faith belonged together in this man. Paul also speaks of the “fellowship of your faith” and the “knowledge of all good things.” Thus Paul seems to speak of an environment in which Philemon is actively engaged. Philemon is in a community of believers and there in invigorating relationship with others. Philemon invests in these people. A remarkable man.
Now what Paul heard from Philemon was “for Christ Jesus.” This can be understood to mean that Philemon was acting out of faith. He did it not for himself, but for Christ Jesus. He has placed himself in line with the concerns of Christ. His actions had a direction. Philemon was traveling selflessly because he set up His life according to His faith and trust. No wonder, then, that Paul received “much joy and encouragement” from these reports. Although these things did not concern Paul himself, the apostle rejoiced in the testimony of others. Philemon had the same expectation, the same faith, the same confidence as Paul had. He worked unselfishly for the well-being of other believers. Paul and Philemon were “brothers” in the best sense of the word.
These words are just the introduction to the short letter. They describe the attitude of Philemon, but equally the attitude of Paul. He is looking for common ground here for his real concern. What connects them, you can build on that. Paul is now looking for the good in Philemon because the good has also come out in Onesimus. Onesimus had come to believe. The life of the escaped slave had taken a different direction. Now Paul seeks freedom for the runaway slave, not as an “activist” but as a “brother.” Slavery was part of the time, but Paul encouraged slaves – if given the opportunity – that they become free (1 Cor. 7:21). He is committed to this here as well.
The name Onesimus means “advantageous”. Later, he once sends Tychicus and Onesimus to the church in Colosse and then describes Onesimus as the “faithful and beloved brother who is one of yours” (Col 4:9). Thus it seems that Onesimus, who apparently came from Colosse, was later able to return to his city of origin without fear. Thus, Paul’s letter to Philemon had probably received confirmation.
One could read the letter to Philemon in different ways. But the fact that Paul reports “much joy and encouragement” shows the inner motives. “Advantageous” has developed positively. Philemon became free and was even able to travel back to his city of origin.
We read in this letter about dealing with potential. Our lives are not only about being liberated ourselves, but perhaps we may also help others to become free, in a very practical way. Much joy and good confidence are then the consequences.
