I’m sure you’re familiar with the accomplishments of the Apostle Paul, but there’s one that hasn’t gotten much press over the years. He is famous for penning 2/3 of the New Testament, and his mark on the church is indelible. He was the primary apostle God called to take the Gospel to the Gentiles in the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8). He traveled thousands of miles, establishing dozens of churches in the first century, many 500-800 miles away from Jerusalem. Paul was a leader and trendsetter who questioned the Judaizers who wanted to force circumcision upon Gentiles who came to faith in Jesus. He trained or worked with many early church leaders, such as Timothy, Aquilla, Priscilla, and Apollos. As a Faith Leader, you’re probably quite familiar with Paul’s apostolic ministry, but how much do you know about the success of Paul’s jail ministry?
Paul’s Cellmate
Paul’s cellmate in a Roman prison was Onesimus. While there, Paul led Onesimus to Christ, and Onesimus told Paul he was an escaped slave. Paul encouraged Onesimus to return to his former owner, a man named Philemon, whom Paul had also led to the Lord. Paul told Onesimus to ask Philemon’s forgiveness because he not only ran away but also stole from him. Onesimus courageously obeyed Paul’s instructions and went back to his former master. Paul went to bat for this former slave by writing to Philemon, appealing for forgiveness and restoration as Christian brothers.
Paul’s Appeal
Paul began his letter to Philemon warmly: Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (Philemon 1-7)
Then, Paul got to the point: Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds. (Philemon 8-10)
Paul told Philemon he was sending Onesimus back to him, and Paul expected him to receive and forgive him because they were now brothers in the Lord. The apostle told Philemon to change his view of and relationship with Onesimus. He was no longer his slave; he was his brother in the Lord. Paul reminded Philemon that he was instrumental in his conversion, and he said if Onesimus owed him anything, Paul would pay it, but he knew Philemon would do even more than Paul asked of him.
From Slave to Pastor
Paul acknowledged Philemon’s love and faith (Philemon 5) because he knew that faith worketh by love (Galatians 5:6), and he wanted him to use his faith by forgiving Onesimus and setting him free, which is just what happened.
Philemon freed Onesimus and sent him back to serve Paul. Paul mentored and trained him, and he eventually became the pastor of the church at Ephesus. What a tremendous testimony of the power of forgiveness and restoration! Philemon used his faith to exercise love and forgiveness, and one man’s entire future was changed to the glory of God.
Faith Leader, there’s nothing wrong with using your faith for your personal needs, but faith’s priority should not be self. I challenge you today to use your faith for someone else’s blessing. Everything in God’s system begins by giving. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). He sowed His Son and reaped billions of sons and daughters. Philemon gave mercy and forgiveness. Paul gave compassion and mentorship. What can you give to someone that can change their life?
Comments