The letter to Philemon is nearing its end and Paul having prayed for Philemon (Philemon 1:4-7), asked him to receive back Onesimus (Philemon 1:8-16), and pledges to take on any debts of Onesimus to achieve peace (Philemon 1:17-20).
It has been an action packed letter that demonstrates Christian living. Now, Paul is going to encourage Philemon and pledge to come and see him in the future, although he is currently imprisoned.
Meaning of Philemon 1:21
Paul writes that he is confident, or persuaded, that Philemon is obedient. His confidence is clear; it is known that Philemon shows great love and fellowship, and the expectation is that he will continue to do so by accepting back Onesimus positively.
The second phrase, obedience, is worth more consideration. Philemon is not obedient to Paul, though Paul has written to him. Nor is it because Paul is an apostle that Philemon should listen. It is because Philemon is obedient to God, who wants all to be treated with dignity that He has given. To accept a man that has wronged you is a big deal for the world, but Paul is confident that Philemon no longer belongs to the world.
It is Paul's confidence that Philemon walks in the way of Jesus, for which he can say 'I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.' Paul is flattering Philemon, but it is for the glory of God that Philemon will act. To reconcile himself with Onesimus and partner in the gospel would be of little worldly reward, but of great heavenly reward.
Stated several times throughout this series, this narrative is absolutely subversive and counter-cultural. To treat a bond servant, especially one that wronged you, as a brother and an equal, is unheard of.
Meaning of Philemon 1:22
Paul desires to come and visit Philemon, who now would be reconciled to Onesimus, who Paul writes is his very heart. He was eager to come and see them both, hear of their partnership in Christ, and to encourage them both in all the gospel work they had striven together in for the sake of the gospel.
It is not recorded that Paul visited them again, but tradition holds that a man named Onesimus become a bishop in nearby Ephesus, which some believe to be the very same. If this tradition is true, Paul was right about Philemon.
Final Thoughts
These two verses are translated well into English and plainly carry their meaning. It is these easy-to-read verses that are so often to overlook, but we can see Christ even in these two verses.
Philemon was faced with the ability to judge Onesimus, but instead chose reconciliation. Likewise, Christ stepped down into the world, having every right to judge, but chose to reconcile us with God.
It's these types and shadows of Christ that help us to see Christ in our own lives.
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