Connexion Rockland Podcast

Should Paul send back Onesimus to Phil?

Philemon verses 12 through 14 help answer the following question: How can we encourage someone (including ourselves) to do the next right thing willingly?

Philemon verses 8 and 9 present an encouragement to obey, out of love, God's call to reconcile.

In Philemon 1-3, we notice the WEB of Paul's letter: Writers, Ecclesia, and Blessing of the book. Paul and Timothy write to the church hosted by Philemon and bless her, in the name of Jesus. In those three verses, Paul emphasizes community, among people adopted by God.

In the context of Paul's letter to Philemon, verses 4 through 7 show how God-inspired tact in conflict mediation leads a mediator to position reconciliation in the context of:

1. God’s presence, sovereignty, and work in the life of a person who needs reconciliation.
2. The deep joy experienced by the mediator and others when they consider God’s presence, sovereignty, and work in the life of a person who needs reconciliation.