Philemon 1:13-25
Onesimus means "useful". Previously a useless slave, henceforth he merited his name (v. 1). More than that, he had become a faithful and beloved brother (v. 16; Colossians 4:9). No name is more precious than that of brother and it suits the Christian master (v. 7 end; v. 20) as much as the Christian slave. Paul for his part uses no other title than those of "aged" and "prisoner of Jesus Christ" (v. 9). If he had thought only of himself, he would not have deprived himself of Onesimus’ services. But he wanted opportunity to be given: to Onesimus of bearing witness in the house where he had previously acted badly; to Philemon of seeing for himself the fruits of this conversion and of "confirming his love" (2 Corinthians 2:8).
This story of Onesimus, in one sense, is ours. Like rebellious slaves we have been found on our pathway of self-will and been brought back to our Master, no longer to be under slavery but as those whom He calls His beloved brothers (cf. v. 16 and John 15:15). Paul is here a picture of the Lord, paying our debt, interceding for us (vv. 17-19). May this epistle teach us to bring practical Christianity into our daily lives: forgetfulness of ourselves, tactfulness, humility, grace . . . in a word, all the many evidences of love.