¹⁵For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, ¹⁶no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

While appealing to Philemon to freely do as he instructs, the apostle Paul weaves a compelling rationale for accepting Onesimus as a forgiven brother in the Lord, and not as a runaway slave with all its consequences. In fact, one wonders how Philemon could possibly deny Paul’s request. To do so would require a complete abdication of his reputation of love and service to “all believers,” a denigration of Paul’s humility as a prisoner writing on behalf of the slave who is now Paul’s child in the faith, and to presume upon Paul’s friendship while rejecting his spiritual influence on him. So Paul continues to build his air-tight case, almost to the point of humor; hardly is it a choice for Philemon!

Of fascinating interest is the fact that Onesimus’s name means “useful.” Paul plays on that meaning in verses 10 and 11. The young man is now useful to his former master, not as a slave, but as an eternal brother in the Lord. In fact, the slave’s running away is cast in the light of God’s will. We are reminded of Genesis 50:20, where Joseph interpreted his brothers’ treachery against him in this way: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Paul echoes this by saying essentially, “Onesimus meant his escape from you, Philemon, as depriving you of his service, but God meant it for your benefit.” In other words, Philemon was not losing a slave; he was gaining a brother in Christ who would now serve him joyfully in brotherly love.

Lest anyone think this passage could be used to justify slavery, look closer at the text. How could one treat an individual as a slave who is his “beloved brother”? Everything in the NT that speaks of how to treat fellow Christians comes into play. What Paul is asking for here is a complete transformation of the relationship. This is not just a spiritual issue, but also a social-economic issue. Paul thus appeals “in the flesh and in the Lord.” Philemon is to treat Onesimus, his former slave, as a true “beloved brother” in every way, in every aspect of life, just as he would all other Christians, and in a way that validates the reputation Philemon has of love and faith “toward the Lord and toward all the saints” (Philemon 1:5).

Lord, help me expand my love for You to those who have wronged me.