Christ, in the book of Philemon

The book of Philemon, a short and personal letter from the Apostle Paul, presents a unique portrayal of Jesus Christ, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian brotherhood.

1. Christ as the Foundation of Relationships: At the heart of the letter to Philemon is the relationship between Philemon, a wealthy Christian and slave owner, and Onesimus, his runaway slave who has become a Christian. Paul’s appeal to Philemon is deeply rooted in the transformative power of Christ. Paul addresses Philemon as a dear friend and fellow worker (Philemon 1:1), grounding his request for reconciliation in their shared faith in Christ. This establishes that relationships among believers are fundamentally altered by their common bond in Christ.

2. Christ as the Mediator of Reconciliation: Paul’s role as a mediator between Philemon and Onesimus is a reflection of Christ’s mediating work. Paul writes, “If you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me” (Philemon 1:17). This echoes the idea of Christ’s mediation, where believers are accepted by God on account of Christ. Paul’s intercession on behalf of Onesimus mirrors Christ’s intercession for humanity, showcasing the Gospel’s power to transform and reconcile relationships.

3. Christ and the New Identity in Christ: Onesimus, whose name means “useful,” was once considered useless to Philemon but has now become useful both to Paul and to Philemon (Philemon 1:11). This transformation is attributed to Onesimus’s new identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes that Onesimus is no longer merely a slave but a beloved brother in the Lord (Philemon 1:16). This shift in status from slave to brother in Christ highlights the profound change that occurs when someone becomes a follower of Jesus.

4. Christ as the Source of Love and Forgiveness: The theme of love is central in the letter. Paul begins by commending Philemon for his love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints (Philemon 1:5). He appeals to Philemon on the basis of love rather than authority, urging him to forgive Onesimus and to accept him as a brother (Philemon 1:9). This appeal to love reflects the love of Christ, who forgives and reconciles believers to Himself and to one another. Paul’s request embodies the teachings of Christ on forgiveness and the breaking down of social barriers within the Christian community.

5. Christ as an Example of Sacrificial Advocacy: Paul’s willingness to bear any financial loss that Philemon might have incurred because of Onesimus (Philemon 1:18-19) reflects Christ’s sacrificial advocacy for believers. Just as Christ took on the debt of humanity’s sins, Paul offers to take on Onesimus’s debts. This act of selflessness and advocacy mirrors the sacrificial nature of Christ’s atonement.

6. Christ and the Transformative Power of the Gospel: The entire letter demonstrates the transformative impact of the Gospel. Paul’s confidence that Philemon will do even more than what he asks (Philemon 1:21) is a testament to the expectation that believers, transformed by Christ’s love, will act in ways that reflect the radical nature of the Gospel. The letter suggests that the power of Christ’s love and forgiveness extends beyond personal piety to reshape social relationships and hierarchies.

In summary, the book of Philemon offers a rich and multifaceted portrayal of Christ. It presents Him as the foundation of Christian relationships, the mediator of reconciliation, the source of a new identity, and the embodiment of love and forgiveness. Through the lens of Paul’s personal appeal, we see the transformative power of Christ’s Gospel in breaking down social barriers, fostering reconciliation, and exemplifying sacrificial love and advocacy.