“I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart…” (Philemon 1:12)
Onesimus was a runaway slave. Paul didn’t know him until he somehow showed up in the city of Rome. Paul and Onesimus started out strangers, and then through some providential chain of fortunate events, the Lord drew Paul the aged together with this young man with a wayward and rebellious spirit.
The gospel connection – it’s real, and it works.
By the time Paul figured out who Onesimus was and who he ran away from, Paul was referring to Onesimus as “my child” and that sending him back to Philemon was “sending my very heart”.
Love can grow if we give our hearts to Jesus. Jesus has a way of opening our hearts to strangers until they become friends. He connects tax collectors (Matthew) and Pharisees (Paul), Jews and Gentiles, and young and old. Onesimus filled a place in Paul’s heart that Paul didn’t even realize was there until Onesimus showed up… and I suspect Paul did the same for Onesimus.
Let the Lord teach you to love – imitate Him in your care for others, and let the gospel connection grow the bonds between you.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Philemon 12-15
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision