The gospel is the power of God to save and transform lives. The story of Onesimus is a wonderful example of this. The name Onesimus means "useful", but he was anything but that. Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master Philemon, and it appears that he also stole some money from him as well. The punishment for this could be quite severe. However, by the sovereign grace of God, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome and was converted to Christianity. He received a new life in Christ and became very useful. He was even willing to return to Philemon.

Paul tactfully appeals to Philemon in a variety of ways to welcome Onesimus back. His appeal reveals how Christians are to view each other. Our relationships are to be based on a sacrificial love that knows no boundaries. Onesimus had become like a son to Paul and was part of his very heart. Paul longed for Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not as a slave, but as an eternal brother in Christ. Christians are to forgive each other and lift each other up and Paul was willing to pay whatever debt Onesimus owed. Philemon had refreshed the hearts of believers in Colossae, and now Paul asked that he would refresh his heart as well by receiving Onesimus with open arms. It was a wonderful demonstration of the grace of God.


Application: Father, thank you for our new life in Christ.
One Word: He is no longer a slave, but a brother