More Than A Bondservant: Part 2

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

How God Transfigures Our Relationships

Reminder: We re-published the first edition of this series. If you need a refresher, please click the arrow at the bottom of this article!

In the previous post, we explored the background of Paul’s letter to Philemon. Now we will take a look into the Christological substance of the epistle.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus 

Previously, we discussed how slavery in the ancient world was different than what we might think of slavery today. The slave for the ancients was merely property – more beast than human. However, Paul’s acknowledgement of Onesimus’ confession of faith is one that transcends all notions of being a slave and being free:

I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 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.

Philemon 1:10-16

A couple of things to note here. Notice how Paul sees his relationship with Onesimus as changing nature in light of their mutual faith in Christ. Rather than Paul being a simple advocate for Onesimus, he considers himself much more than that – he considers himself his Father in faith. Moreover, he intends for Philemon to notice this change in the nature of relationships as well. In Christ, Onesimus is not merely a subhuman slave without any dignity. He is an equal – a brother in Christ, a mutual servant of all along with both Paul and Philemon. 

Charge it to My Account

Paul takes it even further than breaking down cultural barriers in light of the Gospel. In Christlike fashion, he offers to take any penalty or debt that Onesimus has caused Philemon upon himself in order to spare the guilty party:

So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Philemon 1:17-20

Here, we see the astonishing transforming power of the Gospel on display. Rather than returning him to Philemon as a criminal to face the wrath of his master, Paul has decided to intercede on his behalf. Just as Christ has taken our debt upon himself, so also does Paul take the debt of Onesimus upon himself – pardoning the guilty in order that the relationships might start anew in Christ.

Always Interceding 

We are all aware of the transformative power of the Gospel upon our own hearts. Yet, we may not think about how it transforms our relationships with one another. In Jesus, the social station we occupy in life are not barriers to value, dignity, and love. Regardless of where we are, or what we do, anyone who is in Christ is a new creation – a member of something eternally greater than themselves, and a blessed citizen of a Kingdom which has no end. Just as Jesus has called us a friend, we too extend this friendship to all, to advocate on behalf of all.