In the first three verses of Philemon we identified that Paul is writing to Philemon, the leader of a church in Colossae (Philemon 1:1-3). Then we looked at Paul's prayer for Philemon and how it pathed the way for these climactic vereses (Philemon 1:4-7).
Now, we turn to these verses to learn what we can from the Apostle on how to reconcile two people of unequal standing and power. These verses are powerful. They reveal to us how Jesus breaks down barriers, subverts cultures, and sets all people free who put their trust in him.
Meaning of Philemon 1:8-9
Paul writes that he is confident enough in Christ to give a command to Philemon, yet he prefers to petition to him. It is not stated by Paul that the authority by which he makes this command is his apostleship—only that he is old and bound for Christ.
The question may arise, as our temptation is often to leverage the word of God against others, whether we too should be bold and make commands in Christ. Rare as that interpretation may be, even rarer is the prerequisite reflection on if we are to command others: who, why, when, and how?
The first lesson for us about commanding people in Christ is that the apostle prefers to petition, not command. If your ambition is to be bold and start making commands, you are not imitating the apostle, nor Christ who sent him, in this regard. Be bold in Christ! Yet boldness does not mean bossiness; be gentle and speak truth in love.
Secondly, it is revealed in the following verses that the behaviour which Paul is bold to 'command' is to be at peace with another member in the body of Christ. There is peace under the headship of Christ, and the body must reflect that peace. Paul is not saying he is bold to command Philemon on matters of administration or any matter he whims, it is a matter of peace in Christ.
Lastly, while we have hithertofore used the English translation 'command', I would care to suggest that a reading of the original text is helpful. The verb in question [command] carries the meaning to fittingly arrange. It is accompanied by a noun [required] that means befitting. Properly understood then, Paul is confident in Christ to fittingly arrange the body in a manner that is befitting. Sinful men and women commanding a stubborn and rebellious people leads to stubbornness and rebellion.
The thrust of these two verses is forwards. Paul has not yet said what he would be comfortable to command. We, the readers, are held in anticipation and must continue to read in order to know what is befitting.
Meaning of Philemon 1:10
Paul, having said he would prefer to appeal, now states his appeal. It is for love of Onesimus, who is like a son begotten, that Paul is appealing.
While Paul often makes use of the fatherhood metaphor, the privacy and intimacy of this letter, amplified by the anticipation from the previous verses, paints in such vivid detail the great compassion Paul had for Onesimus. Reading him write these words brings images of Paul fastened in chains but urgent to share his love for both Onesimus and Philemon as brothers in Christ.
As we will see in the coming verses, it is Paul's hope that Philemon greets Onesimus as a brother, which is befitting in Christ.
Meaning of Philemon 1:11
Onesimus, who had previously wronged Philemon and then fled him, had by way of his absence, become useless as a servant. Paul writes that having now become a partaker in Christ, Onesimus is now useful to both of them.
Meaning of Philemon 1:12-14
Paul had been served well by Onesimus, but it is clear that reconciliation is in order between Philemon and Onesimus. To draw them both together, Paul writes that Onesimus is his very heart - he has become exceedingly precious.
Since Onesimus was a slave to Philemon, his service to Paul is attributed to Philemon. It is on this account that Paul can thank Philemon for his service, and also that Paul desires to express that his continued service should be by choice, not under compulsion.
The only right way to proceed as a body, with unity and peace, was for Onesimus to return to Philemon and be reconciled.
Meaning of Philemon 1:15-16
Philemon is placed with a difficult decision. He has every legal right to punish Onesimus, yet, in Christ they are equals. Paul writes that the advantage of losing him for a little while is that Onesimus has found his way into the body of Christ and now they both partake in an eternal brotherhood.
While it is tempting to see Paul's instruction to Philemon as releasing him, that's not what is written. The decision on how to proceed sits with Philemon alone. He can receive Onesimus as a slave again, treating him as an equal, or he can set him free—but still free in Christ.
These two verses show that Paul counts Onesimus, a slave, as an equal brother in Christ. He counts it as joy to be equal with Onesimus, and encourages Philemon to see that he has even more reason to rejoice in the unity of Christ.
Final Thoughts
These verses are the heart to the letter of Philemon. Paul's prayer of thanks for Philemon's love is now intended to reap its full effect in his love for Onesimus (Philemon 1:4-7).
We have a clear demonstration of the challenges of living in the unity of faith and a masterclass in reconciling to people who have reason to be angry. Furthermore, in Christ, there is neither slave nor free (Colossians 3:11). Both are equal participants in the blessing of Christ.
It is my hope that we read these verses and are humbled by God's glorious justice that all people should be treated as equals—no matter their origins and history.