Paul the affectionate: Lessons in love

1. Intro: Is Paul known for his affection? Paul: the theologian (Romans), evangelist, teacher (Timothy & Titus) Paul is more a peoples man than we might think. Why is Philemon in the canonical books? Only 25 verses Slave trade: In Christ all free: Galatians 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Paul… an old man… v 9 and a prisoner 4 times in prison, almost 6 years. Paul the affectionate: Lessons in love

2. 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,    To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1-7

3. Paul and his addressees: Paul a prisoner of Christ (also v. 9) turning the bad things around for good! In Christ nobody can harm us To Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker, 1 Corinthians 3:9  For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. Paul calls his addressees as well as his team: fellow workers, fellow soldier, partner, (v17) A team, Paul is not a soloist. He is affectionate.

4. To Apphia our sister…and to the church that meets in your home: House churches mentioned: Philemon and Apphia Priscilla and Aquila, Rom 16.4; 1Cor 16.19; Nympha, Col 4.15 To Archippus our fellow soldier Col 4.17) Tell Archippus: “see to it that you complete the work that you received in the Lord”

5. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, Paul introduces his prayer with thanks to God. He “remembers” because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. Your love for all the saints…(not selective) I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Faith in action leads to understanding: “walking with Christ” Your love has given me great joy, and encouragement, …because you have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Refreshing love! (see also v20)

6. Paul's Plea for Onesimus 8Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[a] who became my son while I was in chains. 11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Philemon 8-11

7. Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, I could but I will not… Love does not have rights. yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— An old man… as a young man present at the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58) Contrast: Acts 9.1 Saul was still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples I appeal to you for my son Onesimus who became my son while I was in chains. “A Son” Like Timothy and Titus. (Spiritual birth) Onesimus: means useful. (wordplay: was useless, now useful)

8. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced Paul: no claim, no authority, no rights. To Philemon: “our dear friend”…That’s where friends are for! Convictions cannot be forced upon others. Friendly persuasion Philemon 12-14

9. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. 17So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. God is not far: Interpreting events and circumstances as Gods will. In Christ: No difference…putting in practice what you believe Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Philemon 15-18

10. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. I write myself! Galatians 6:11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Pastoral diplomacy: Paul is “witty” “Refresh my heart” What is more beautiful than to see that Christ is victor in the heart of men! Philemon 19-21

11. 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. Prepare a guest room for me…Paul: Never looses hope! Did he? Caesarea or Rome? Philemon 22-23

12. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Mark and Demas Mark: Paul has put in practice what he preached. Acts 15: 37,38 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him… Demas, deserted Paul later 2 Timothy 4:10 …for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me… Conclusion: Put love in action. Sometimes things happen in life you rather like to forget, like bruised relationships.Do not cover…Repair! Philemon 24-25