This phrase reminds me of a court of law where an attorney pleads for someone accused of a crime. Sometimes, they are pleading for a lesser sentence and sometimes for complete pardon. In the book of Philemon, we find Paul pleading for others.
He begins his letter by remembering that Philemon is a worker for the Lord. Philemon was using his home as a church for other believers. He thanks God for his love for the saints and the Lord. He says he has gained much joy and comfort from his love because the saints have been refreshed through him. He gives a short sentence or two and then gets to the purpose of his letter.
Philemon 1:4-7 “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”
Paul was still in prison in Rome, so he sent this letter to Philemon through Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus was believed to have robbed Philemon when he fled to Rome because Paul states in Philemon 1:18, “If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” Somehow in Rome, their paths crossed. Onesimus must have sought out Paul, and Paul won him to the Lord. In Philemon 1:10, Paul says, “I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.” In other words, he became my spiritual son. It is no accident that he went to see Paul. The Holy Spirit was drawing him to Paul so that he could be saved and then make right the wrong he had done.
In verse 11, Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus was a useless servant before, but now he will be profitable to him. He tells Philemon that he was helpful to him also, and he would have loved for him to stay in Rome with him, but he sends him back. It was the right thing to do for Onesimus to make things right with Philemon. Paul pleads with him to treat Onesimus as he would treat him, like a brother.
Philemon 1:12-17 “I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.”
Paul was a champion of those who had done wrong according to man’s laws but had accepted Jesus as their Savior and allowed God to change them. Paul often gave his own testimony as to how he was a murderer of Christians, and yet Jesus loved him and miraculously saved him. He used his influence to restore the relationship of Philemon and Onesimus. He encouraged Philemon to treat him not as a bond slave but as a brother. He influenced Onesimus to have enough faith in God to return with a repentant heart to his earthly master and seek forgiveness for his actions against Philemon.
Paul’s love for the Savior was magnified in the love he showed others. Onesimus was not a Christian when he went to see Paul, but he respected Paul and sought him out. As Christians, we, too, have the answer for those in need. God places them in our path, and it is up to us to be in tune with the Holy Spirit so we can recognize them and help. We are the hands and feet of Jesus, and we need to be aware that everyone we meet is someone He died for. Nothing you do for Christ is wasted effort. I remember when I was on a mission trip in Canada. We went door to door to introduce the neighborhood to the new church in the area. We were able to talk to many who were unbelievers but seemed to be tolerant and polite to our cause. As we were looking for visitors the following Sunday, it was a disappointment when no one showed up we had talked to. However, years later, a family went to the church on a Sunday morning and were saved. They had kept the broacher of the church in a drawer and forgotten all about it until they had a need in their lives. They remembered our visit and felt drawn to attend. The following week, they brought their neighbors, and they were saved. This is where we as believers need to understand we are sowing seeds, but only God can give them life and make them grow. We must plead for souls and trust God to convict and save them. Once they accept Him, we must disciple them and help them stand for Him. Never give up, and never discount the power of the Holy Spirit. God will do His job if we will do ours.
