Monday, June 29, 2015

Make amends ans consent

Philemon 1:1-11
Paul heard that Philemon has faith in the Lord Jesus and his love for all the saints. Paul prayed that he may be active in sharing his faith, so that he will have a full understanding of every good thing in Christ.
Paul appealed to Philemon for Onesimus, who became Paul's son while Paul was in chains. He has become useful both to Paul and Philemon.
This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, one of his converts and a good friend.
Philemon was a man of some standing. A group of local Christians regularly met in his home at Colossae. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had deprived his master of his service by running away to the big city (Rome or perhaps Ephesus) where he could easily escape detection. There he somehow came into contact with the imprisoned apostle, and through him became a christian.
Paul loved this young man like a son, but he was Philemon's legal property. It was hard for Paul, and hard for Onesimus - who was liable to terrible punishment for what he had done - but he must go back and make amends(賠罪). Paul could not keep him without Philemon's willing consent(同意).
So he wrote this 'covering note' for Onesimus. And Tychicus went with him for company and moral support, taking the latest news and a letter from Paul to the Colossian church.
Why?
Philemon is under considerable pressure to do as he asks: Paul points out that he could have dictated(口述) where his duty lay, but he prefers to make a request on the basis of love.
Has faith in Jesus, then have love to all the saint. This is sharing the faith and understanding to do the good things.
Not only moral but also legal way to treat friend, Philemon and Paul loved one, Onesimus.
How?
Not only has faith in the Lord Jesus, but also has love to all the saints.




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