Two individuals are prominent in this short epistle, Philemon and Onesimus. The first has a name deriving from phileo, meaning tender affection (love), while Onesimus may be translated profitable. The first was the master, the second his slave.
Onesimus had not always been profitable (vs. 11). Having deserted his master, we find him in Rome, perhaps seeking to escape amongst the vast throngs of that city. While he may have succeeded in fleeing Philemon, the eye of the Lord was upon him. In that city there was a prisoner, the Apostle Paul, and it was to Paul that the Spirit of God brings this fugitive. The same Spirit that had worked in the heart of Philemon now works in the heart of Onesimus—through the same servant of the Lord (vs. 19).
Converted, Onesimus is profitable to all (vs. 11). Though his soul is set free, he has not received liberty from the obligations that bound him to his master. As a Christian, he must return to Philemon. This beautiful epistle, written by Paul, lovingly beseeches Philemon to again receive Onesimus, “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” (vs. 16).
Without invoking his apostolic authority, Paul appeals to the heart of Philemon and his wife Apphia and to the love that we possess as partakers of the divine nature. “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (vss. 7-9). This was a delicate subject. The memory of Onesimus could incite the flesh if given opportunity, particularly since it is entirely possibly that Onesimus had stolen from his master (vss. 18-19).
The epistle’s address is broader than simply to Philemon and his wife, for it extends even to the assembly in his house (vs. 2). How practical are the lessons it contains. Here we find love exercised in the most difficult of circumstances. In it we see the Apostle’s love for Philemon and for Onesimus whom he had begotten in his bonds. We see the stirring of that love in the heart of Philemon for one who had wronged him. Paul wisely appeals to Philemon’s love for him (vss. 9, 17, 20, 22).
Love is obedient, and Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon that the new nature would triumph, exceeding all that was requested of him (vs. 21). This is true Christian conduct, divinely recorded for our admonition.