The e-book of Philemon will be the most underrated e-book within the Bible.
Like a few of Shakespeare’s obscure performs, Philemon is a e-book individuals say they’ve learn once they haven’t. Have you ever learn it? Have you learnt what it’s about?
If you happen to have been to ask your pastor or a theologian about Philemon, they’d say it’s the story of a runaway slave, Onesiumus, who met Paul, grew to become a believer, and was despatched house to his grasp Philemon. Okay, so what? Why is that this letter within the Bible? It incorporates no statements of doctrine and appears to be little greater than a letter between pals.
This quick letter is nothing lower than the gospel story. It’s your story and my story as a result of we’re all – in a way of talking – runaway slaves who’re deserving of loss of life.
The excellent news of Philemon is that now we have a Good friend in excessive locations. What Paul was to Onesimus, Jesus is to us. He’s the Good friend who settles all claims towards us and paves the way in which for us to come back house.
Often, the gospel story is informed from the sinner’s perspective (e.g., the prodigal son, the tax collector on the temple). However this story is informed from the angle of the mediator. It’s about Paul (representing God the Son) interceding to Philemon the grasp (representing God the Father).
What Paul says concerning the slave—“forgive him, obtain him, settle for him”—is what Jesus says on our behalf.
The letter to Philemon brilliantly exhibits how the partnership between God the Father and God the Son is sweet information for you. It’s not about what you could do for God however what God has completed for you. It’s about how one can have a assured expectation of the Father’s favor.
I’ve written a verse-by-verse commentary on Philemon that can be revealed in a couple of weeks as a part of the Grace Bible sequence. However this story is just too good to attend, so I’ve determined to launch Philemon proper now without cost. You may get it right here by signing up as a free member on Patreon. (Did I point out that it’s completely free?)
Grace and peace,
Paul
