Have you ever had a problem with someone, or known of a problem between two friends? What should our perspective be in that situation? The book of Philemon is a letter that shows us the perspectives of three people involved in a problem. Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master, Philemon. He was eventually imprisoned, where he met Paul. The apostle taught the runaway slave the Gospel. Once he obeyed, he knew he had to go back to Philemon. Paul writes this letter to Philemon to help smooth things out between two brothers in Christ. Note three perspectives of a problematic situation.

First, there is Paul’s perspective. He didn’t owe anything to either of them. Philemon owed Paul (vs. 19). Onesimus owed Paul for the same reason. When Onesimus came to him, Paul could have told the runaway to deal with it himself. Paul could have thought, “Mind your own business.” He could have reminded Onesimus of his problems. Though Paul had nothing to do with the situation, he helped his brothers. He did what he needed to do to make things right. He was even willing to take on the debt of Onesimus (vs. 18).

Second, there is Onesimus’ perspective. He was a runaway slave though we don’t know why he left. He was taught the gospel and obeyed. He realized he had a debt to pay and must go back. However, he was afraid of what might happen. A runaway slave’s uncertain future might include being killed or having to serve a longer sentence. He could have kept running and ignored what he needed to do. He could have not cared about anyone but himself. Instead, he went to someone for advice and tried his best to make things right.

Third, there is Philemon’s perspective. He was a master who was wronged. He was hurt because of someone whom he knew personally. He was looking for Onesimus. He could have hunted the runaway down. He could have killed him after Onesimus returned. Philemon could have been brutal. We don’t know what happened, but Paul trusted Philemon would do right (vs. 21).

No matter who you are, you are in one of these situations. You are Onesimus. You have done wrong towards someone and don’t know what to do to restore the relationship. Go to someone for advice and figure out how to make amends. You are Philemon. You’ve had someone wrong you. You hesitate to forgive and restore the friendship because you don’t want to get hurt again. Forgive and help restore the relationship to what it was. You are Paul. You know people who aren’t getting along. Maybe you don’t know what to do. Maybe you’re afraid to help. Start by praying for them (vv. 4).

There are relevant lessons we can learn from the book of Philemon If we take the time to apply them to our individual lives and relationships!

Garrett Sawyers