November 16, 2025 - Philemon

Philemon is a very short epistle from Paul to a fellow worker for Christ.  Paul begins by thanking Philemon for his love and ministry for Jesus and the saints.  Paul’s primary intention, though, is to plead on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon.  Paul writes, “For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother” (vss. 15,16).  Sort of a picture of our relationship to the Savior, isn’t it?  Once relating to him in an antagonistic way, rebels against him and haters of him, we have been brought to Jesus as brothers.  That’s grace!  Amazing grace!

Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.   --John Newton (1779)