Expressing Gratitude and Confidence

A Christian by the name of Philemon has a slave run away to Rome. Paul was in Rome and converted the slave and sent him back to his Christian master, Philemon with a short letter. In this letter Paul encourages Philemon, his friend and brother in Christ, to receive the slave back as a brother. Paul does this in the letter by expressing both his gratitude and confidence in Philemon.

Paul’s Gratitude for Philemon

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.(Philemon 4-7)

“You are Constantly in My Prayers”

Paul was always praying for congregations and fellow Christians He also solicited their prayers. There is something disarming and uplifting when learning one is on the prayer list of another, especially an apostle’s prayer list.

“I heard of Your Good Reputation of Love and Faith”

Paul is addressing a saint who has love and faith toward God and naturally this reflects in his attitude toward others. Agape is a type of love which is selfless and thoughtful. It motivates the lover to seek the best for the object of his love no matter how either feel about the matter. This love for “all” saints would have to include Onesimus because agape is indiscriminate.

“You Have a Powerful Sharing in Good Deeds”

The phrase “sharing of your faith” is from the Greek word koinonia often translated fellowship. This is not talking about Philemon holding potluck suppers and arranging church outings to the chariot races for the saints at Colossae. Fellowship involves more than activity in Christ based on our joint relationship with Him. The fellowship is to be “effective” or powerful. Powerful enough to bring about every good thing Philemon is capable of. This would mean he would have fellowship with a bad slave turned brother.

The acknowledgment is not just intellectual information found by reading the Bible or meditating on the message preached. Philemon was to know these good things because he has experienced them in his Christian life. He already knows how to love and fellowship with the saints. He knows about forgiving one another.

“You Have Refreshed the Saints Hearts”

Philemon’s great love for the saints has result in refreshments. Not donuts and coffee for the saints when they meet in his home. The Greek term for “refreshed” is the same word used by Christ when He calls us unto him to find “rest” for our souls (Matt. 11:28). It is “a military term that speaks of an army resting from a march” (MacArthur 215). His love refreshed the hearts of others. The term for heart can be translated “bowels” which were the seat of emotions. Perhaps, brother, Philemon’s love can refresh Paul and Onesimus’ hearts by receiving the rebellious slave back as a brother.

Paul’s Confidence in Philemon

21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. (Phile. 21-23)

 Confidence in His Obedience

Just what gave Paul such confidence in Philemon accepting Onesimus? Philemon’s reputation showed him to be trustworthy. He loved other brothers so he will love Onesimus. He was partners in the Gospel with Paul so he will be a partner with Onesimus.

Confidence in His Abounding

God does not expect us to just do the minimal of what is requested of us. To do just what we have to is to be an unprofitable servant. Jesus said, “when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Lk. 17:10). Paul told the Corinthians, “therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). What did Paul expect more out of Philemon? The freedom of the slave Onesimus. Not necessarily, Paul did not teach master to release their slaves but treat them properly. This required Christians slaves to obey their master and honor even those who were not Christians. However, he did encourage Christians to seek their freedom if possible. “Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor. 7:21-23).

Confidence in His Hospitality

So confident that he would be released from Roman bonds Paul told Philemon to prepare for his visit to Colossae. Paul told the church at Philippi that he hoped to visit them soon (Phil. 2:24). It is very interesting to note that the term for “guest room” is the same term used for “rented house” in Acts 28:30.

When Paul showed up in Colossae and visited the home of Philemon would he find Onesimus? Philemon is warned that Paul is coming and will know first hand of his obedience.

Confidence In His Prayers

The terms “your” and “you” are plural. Indicating that not only Philemon and his household but the congregation which met at his house were praying for his release. This is reminiscent of the church of Jerusalem praying for Peter’s release from Herod (Acts 12). Although their prayers were made over a thousand miles away from Paul, he trusted that God would answer. Paul counted on the power of prayer from righteous men and women like Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, etc. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Js. 5:16). The term “granted” here is the idea of receiving a gift. Paul did not see his emancipation from his Roman chains as a mere personal triumph but as a chance to be a blessing to others like Philemon.

As Christians in the 21st century we can learn from Paul’s first century example. Let us express our gratitude and confidence in one another.

– Daniel R. Vess

 

2017-11-26 - When Did the Early Christians Partake of the Lord’s Supper?
2017-12-10 - Let the Revival Begin With Me
Categories: The Forum