(a) Give the highlights of Paul's letter to Philemon. (b) Explain the term 'Forgiveness'.

Answer Details

(a) Highlights of Paul's letter to Philemon

The letter to Philemon is a short, personal letter written by Paul while he was a prisoner (for the sake of Christ). It concerns Onesimus, a runaway slave. Its highlights are as follows:

• Greeting and thanksgiving: Paul, together with Timothy, greets Philemon, whom he calls a beloved fellow worker, along with Apphia, Archippus and the church that met in his house. Paul thanks God for Philemon's love and faith towards the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and for the way he has refreshed the hearts of the saints.
• The appeal for Onesimus: Onesimus was Philemon's slave who had run away and, in some accounts, wronged his master. He met Paul in prison, was converted and became like a son to Paul, whom Paul calls his own heart. Onesimus, whose name means "useful," had once been useless to Philemon but was now truly useful to both.
• Paul appeals rather than commands: Though bold enough in Christ to command Philemon to do what is required, Paul prefers to appeal for love's sake, sending Onesimus back and asking Philemon to receive him.
• Receive him as a brother: Paul asks that Onesimus be welcomed no longer merely as a slave but as a beloved brother, both in the flesh and in the Lord; indeed, to receive him as Paul himself.
• Paul offers to pay any debt: If Onesimus has wronged Philemon or owes him anything, Paul says, "Charge it to my account; I will repay it," while reminding Philemon that he owes Paul his very self.
• Confidence and a personal request: Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will do even more than he asks, and requests that a guest room be prepared, hoping to visit soon. He closes with greetings from his fellow workers and a benediction of grace.

The letter is a beautiful example of Christian love, forgiveness and reconciliation, and shows how the Gospel transforms the relationship between master and slave into that of brothers.

(b) The term 'Forgiveness'

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender, letting go of resentment and the desire for revenge, and restoring a broken relationship. It means ceasing to hold a person's wrongdoing against him and treating him with renewed love and acceptance, as God in Christ forgives the sins of those who repent. In the letter to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive Onesimus his offence and receive him back as a brother, mirroring the way God forgives sinners freely and calls Christians to forgive one another.