New Testament: Phm 18

To read the Bible in a year, read Philemon on November 3, In the year of our Lord Christ 2020

By Don Ruhl

What was it that made Paul the man that he was? Only Jesus Christ has had greater influence on the world than Paul. His letter to his friend Philemon reveals the way he thought, including the following. Paul converted a slave that used to belong to Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to take Onesimus back, adding this:

But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.

– Philemon 18

If Onesimus had wronged Philemon, Paul said that he would be responsible for it! Had Onesimus stolen something? Paul would replace it. Had Onesimus not completed a job? Paul would finish it. What was important to Paul was the restoration of Onesimus and Philemon to one another and the aged apostle would do whatever it took to get these two men back together, but not as master and slave, rather as brothers in Christ.

Questions:

• What are you willing to do to get friends back together?
• Are you willing to have one of your old relationships restored?

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