Philemon 14 (ESV) — but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in
order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
NOTE: Onesimus is a
runaway servant of Philemon. He comes to Christ through Paul's witness. And
now, Paul is sending him back to fulfill his obligations as a bond-servant.
There is no teaching of slavery in this passage, but rather the typical
Christian teaching of obeying government authorities according to the culture
and time. I don't know if Onesimus was a forced slave or one who sold himself
into slavery to pay off debts. In the latter case, that is no different than
many professional sport contracts where a person sells his services for a
certain number of years. In our culture, it pays very well to be a servant to a
wealthy land owner. The main point Paul argues is that while Paul might be able
to use him as payment for Paul's ministry to Onesimus, he argues that giving
should not be by compulsion but rather a person's choice. There is no
discussion of tithing or the law's requirements. The New Testament teaches that
each person gives as he has made up his own mind, not under compulsion, for God
loves cheerful givers.
PRAYER: Father,
thank you for the mercy and grace of the new covenant. Thank you that we are
not compelled to give. Thank you that giving is truly giving from the heart. I
pray my heart for giving might continue to grow.
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