QT 25 May 11

Philem 8-11 (NIV) Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul — an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus —  10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

NOTE: Paul seems to know Philemon.  The letter to the Colossians suggests that Philemon is from Laodicea or Colossae.  Paul was never there but the friendship with Philemon suggests that they have met somewhere.  Perhaps Paul met Philemon on his travels outside of Laodicea/Colossae.  Since Philemon has a slave, it is possible Philemon was conducting business outside of the town when he met.  But Paul also seems to know Apphia (possible Philemon's sister or wife) and Archippus (possibly Philemon's brother or son).  Paul traveled through Galatia, so it is possible to have met them in some context, i.e., visiting relatives, on a trip to the beach, or as some commentators suggest--in Ephesus (which is also not far).  In any case, there is a relationship between Paul and Philemon.

Paul states that he could command Philemon to act in a certain way, probably due to his Apostleship, but instead he chooses to appeal on the basis of love.  What a wonderful picture and contrast of the old covenant (OC) to the new covenant (NC).  In the NC, it is the heart that matters and not the strict letter of the law.  Also, in the NC, we have a changed heart because of the Word of God (which transforms our mind), and the Holy Spirit which lives within us and convicts us of our sin and also gives us the power to change.  While there is no record of how Philemon responds, Paul's confidence and the working of God's Spirit suggests that Philemon obeyed. 

In the same way, we need to carefully consider the suggestions and challenges of others to us.  We need to ask God to open our eyes to our faults and sins.  And we need to repent and seek to be obedient to God in the things he reveals to us.