TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever heard anyone start off a complaint: “I’m not going to complain, but . . .”? Or deliver a piece of news about someone by saying, “I’m not naming names, but . . .”? In our passage, Paul deploys a similar rhetorical technique in his comments to Philemon. Paul used this gentle sarcasm in order to restore a fractured relationship and highlight that spiritual obligations trump legal ones.

Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who had run away (vv. 1-2, 15-16). Onesimus had encountered Paul and embraced the gospel. Paul was now sending him back to fulfill his obligation to Philemon, and Paul wrote this letter to help explain the situation to Philemon and also to smooth possible tensions.

While Paul believed that Onesimus had a responsibility to return, he also subtly undermined the master-slave dynamic. First, he noted his wish that Onesimus could stay with him, for he had been helpful and Paul loved him (vv. 11-13). Paul hinted that perhaps as a favor to him, Philemon would release Onesimus to return to Paul, freed from his slave obligations (v. 14). Second, Paul acknowledged the legal reality of master-slave relationships but noted that Onesimus had become “better than a slave—as a dear brother” (v. 16). He appealed to Philemon’s own status in Christ to position Onesimus as a “brother in the Lord.” The spiritual relationship was more important than the legal one.

Third, Paul knew that financial restitution might be in order, and he asked Philemon to send any bill to him. In case Philemon was tempted to be too angry or harsh in reclaiming his debt, Paul gently reminded Philemon of his own spiritual debt to Paul. He said in effect, “I won’t even mention the fact that you owe me your entire life!” (v. 19). Note the number of requests that Paul made of Philemon in verses 20 through 22. Philemon might have had a legal claim over Onesimus, but Paul had a spiritual claim over him in the Lord—a much stronger basis for his decision about treating his slave and new brother in Christ.

---

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you identify with Onesimus, struggling with a difficult boss or shirking a responsibility. As a follower of Jesus, your responsibility is to render honest service and make restitution as necessary. Perhaps you identify with Philemon, demanding your rights and repayment without regard for the spiritual reality and relationships. As a believer, our spiritual obligations trump our legal privileges. Our Savior has provided us with the ultimate generosity, grace, and forgiveness; and His Spirit empowers us to offer that to others.

< Previous Day

Next Day >