The book of Philemon starts with Paul addressing himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Usually, Paul speaks of himself as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This letter is addressed to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a run away slave, who is now a fellow brother in Christ. Philemon is wealthy and has a number of slaves. He is a believer in Christ and has a home church.
While Paul is in prison, he meets Onesimus. It is Paul’s opportunity to get Onesimus on the right path. Paul is at a disadvantage because he is a prisoner. However, he uses his disadvantage to set some one free with the gospel.
The book of Philemon has three prisoners:
Prisoner of Self-Righteousness
Philemon is a prisoner of his own “righteous living.” He feels that he owns Onesimus and he has to be his obedient slave. He violated the rule(s) so he has to be in prison. Philemon has difficulty in forgiving and accepting Onesimus. Philemon is a prisoner of his righteous and legalistic thinking.
Prisoner of Unrighteousness
Onesimus is a prisoner of his unacceptable situation and deeds.
(Note: Onesimus means “useful,” but he is actually “useless” until Paul meets him).
Prisoner of Christ
Paul could have been in self pity. He could have simply said, “I served you Lord and now I am in chains. I am not going to do anything further unless you miraculously take me out of this dungeon. Is this the way you treat your zealous servant? “
Instead, Paul sees this as an opportunity and his disadvantage became his advantage. He sees the difference between the circumstances of his imprisonment and Onesimus.’ Paul decides to serve someone him. To Paul, he finally had a captive audience to share the love of God with. He does not loose a minute. He also made time to write all the prison letters. In prison: Paul is free to share the Gospel, disciple others, write, and pray without disturbance. He is completely calm.
In the letter to Philemon, Paul shares that believers must learn to be a “prisoner of Christ” alone. Philemon, who is imprisoned in self- righteousness and Onesimus, who is imprisoned in unrighteousness, both are liberated from their bondage. They become a true prisoner of Jesus Christ. This is the only truly liberated position. “If the son sets you free you will be free indeed.” He liberates us from:
· Self –righteousness.
· Self –pity.
· Self –centeredness.
Paul is hoping to be released soon from prison and he sees it is an opportunity to follow up Philemon, Onesimus (and the church that meets in their house).
Being a “deulos” (bond slave) means free (Deut. 15:17). A bond slave has their ears pierced as a sign that they belong to their master. A bond slave does this because he loves the master. In the same way, we can be like a bond slave. We must let others know that we truly love our Master. This is what Onesimus does. He becomes useful by being a bonded slave. He is a true “prisoner of Christ.” We must make the same decision in our own hearts and lives. There is not any other way. Despite what the world portrays, our titles, social status (or whatever the other criteria may be) are not of much value in the Kingdom of God.
The closing remarks of Paul to Philemon are, “refresh my heart.” This is an eye opener of how much God is longing to be refreshed by our deeds. We cannot truly refresh God’s heart unless we become a “prisoner of Jesus Christ.”
What does it mean to become “prisoners of Christ” in your life? Think and Pray.
