Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus ran away from Philemon. Paul taught Onesimus the gospel of Christ and he was born again (10). Onesimus was instructed to return to Philemon. Onesimus returned to Philemon with this letter instructing him to receive Onesimus not only as a returning slave, "but more than a slave - a beloved brother" (16).
What did Philemon do when he received this letter and saw Onesimus? Scripture doesn't reveal that to us. But Paul's words surely indicate what Paul thought he would do. By faith we see Philemon receive Onesimus as he would Paul (17). Because of Paul's "confidence" in Philemon's "obedience" we see him receive Onesimus as a "beloved brother" (16, 21).
Read Philemon and consider what Paul did, what Onesimus did, and see by faith what Philemon did and allow all of it to "refresh" your "heart in the Lord" (20).
Jason Cicero
