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The Scriptorium

An Appeal for Love's Sake

Duty without love, and love without duty, are nothing. Philemon 1.8-11

Philemon (3)

Pray Psalm 113.2, 7, 8.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore!
He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes—
With the princes of His people.

Read Philemon 1.8-11.

Prepare.
1. Onesimus’ name means “helpful” or even “profitable”. How is Paul punning on that? Why?

2. How would you describe Paul’s appeal to Philemon?

Meditate.
Having established that Philemon was a man of love, Paul now appeals to that love on behalf of Onesimus, the runaway slave. He could have commanded Philemon to do what he wanted, but he wanted him to do it out of love, not compulsion, for thus grace, not duty, would be the operative power (vv. 8, 9).

The name Onesimus means “helpful” or “profitable”. But Onesimus was not profitable to Philemon, since he ran away from him, and may have stolen from him as he fled (v. 18). Onesimus sought out Paul in Rome – quite a long journey for a runaway slave. He was seeking freedom, and he must have reckoned that Paul could lead him to it, even though he himself was “a prisoner” because of his faith.

It appears Paul led Onesimus to the Lord (v. 10), and now, as we shall see (v. 12), he was sending him back to Philemon. This action is more complicated and fraught than it appears on the surface, and it is another brick in the foundation leading to the Christian opposition to slavery.

Reflect.
1. What was Paul suggesting to Philemon by referring to himself as a prisoner of Christ?

2. Why was it important that love, not compulsion, should prevail in this situation?

3. How was Onesimus “profitable” to Paul and Philemon (cf. Col. 4.9)?

I must stand in awe of the apostle’s greatness of soul here, as a man whose mind burns for Christ. He is held in prison, he is constrained by chains, in physical misery, separated from dear ones, plunged into prison darkness, yet he does not feel the injury, he is not crucified with sadness. Rather, he knows nothing else than to ponder the gospel of Christ. Jerome (347-420), Commentary on Philemon

Make me useful for Your Kingdom, Lord, and profitable to the people I will see today, as I…

Pray Psalm 113.1-8.
Bless and praise the Lord for the many opportunities He gives you to be useful and profitable in the work of the Gospel. Commit yourself anew to serving Him today.

Sing Psalm 113.1-9.
Psalm 113.1-9 (Amageddon: Who Is On the Lord’s Side?)
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, all who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame!
From the time each morning when the sun is raised,
to its evening waning, let His Name be praised!
Refrain vv. 1, 2
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, all who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame!

High above the nations, on Your glorious throne,
who is like You, Savior, ruling all You own?
Sovereign and all-knowing, over all above,
praise to You is owing for Your perfect love!
Refrain

Though You rule from heaven, looking down on earth,
praise and thanks be given to Your holy worth!
Down You reach to touch us, clad in ash and dust,
raising us with such as in Your favor trust.
Refrain

Seated now with princes round Your glorious throne,
we by grace are lifted to become Your own.
Barren women, joyous, glad their children bear;
joining in the chorus, they Your praise declare.
Refrain

T. M. Moore

What are church leaders supposed to do in leading the Lord’s flock? Our workbook, Shepherding God’s Flock, will show you how to bring effective pastoral ministry and disciple-making into the everyday life of your church. Order your copy by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). 

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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