An Intercessory Letter

“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” Philemon 1:17

Evidently, Paul had led Philemon to Christ when he was preaching in Colosse (Colossians 4:9). Years later, as a prisoner in Rome, Paul met Onesimus, one of Philemon’s servants. Onesimus had escaped from his master and fled to Rome. It is clear from this letter that Paul had led Onesimus to Christ as well, though the circumstances of their meeting are not spelled out for us. It is possible that Onesimus sought Paul out to seek his help in dealing with the guilt he felt, or perhaps Onesimus had been imprisoned with Paul because of something he had done once he got to Rome. In either case, Onesimus had accepted Christ, and Paul was sending him back to his master, Philemon, with this letter. Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as if he were the Apostle Paul himself. Paul wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and for any other wrongs that he had committed. He asked Philemon to accept him as a brother in Christ rather than as a servant. Paul even promised to pay Philemon back for anything that Onesimus may have taken from him. Paul’s letter to Philemon shows us the importance of forgiveness. It shows us that personal relationships are more important than possessions. Paul shows us that the condition of the heart is more important than the reclaiming of lost possessions or exacting revenge. Christ has forgiven us and received us into the family of God. How can we not forgive others?