Commitment upon our part is one thing, but what about commitment for another person? Who would we commit ourselves to that should they acquire a bill or payment for retribution would we put it on our tab? Such is the case with Paul the apostle today as he continues his intercession for Onesimus to Philemon. Paul wrote in Philemon verse eighteen:
I Paul have written [it] with my own hand, I will repay [it]: however I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides.
Yesterday we saw Paul interceding on behalf of Onesimus for anything that Onesimus did wrong or for any money that was due to Philemon. Paul wrote that he would repay it. Today Paul even more strongly emphasizes that he will repay it by putting it in writing. There is something special about “putting it in writing.” Although a verbal contract can be legal, a more provable instrument is a written one. Whenever two parties agree to a particular transaction by way of written contract, there is definite commitment upon each side. Sometimes those commitments are not kept, nonetheless they are binding.
The amazing part of Paul's intercession is to remember the change that has occurred within him. Paul in the book of Acts was arresting and promoting the extermination of Christians. Now he is interceding for one and willing to pay for Onesimus' charges. There is, however, more to this verse.
Paul wrote, “however I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides.” Now we gain some insight as to why Paul can be so bold in his intercession for Onesimus. It appears by this verse that Philemon is actually indebted to Paul. More than likely Paul was involved in Philemon's salvation. Philemon was from Colossee where Paul shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and this is where the relationship with God began for Philemon. In other words, Philemon was one of Paul's converts, and now Paul uses that relationship to appeal to him on behalf of Onesimus.
It is always amazing how people love to receive for themselves, but when they are called upon for the benefit of another there is great resistance. Especially if someone has wronged them in the past, most people desire judgment and punishment for them. But when it is themselves who have done the wrong they desire mercy and grace. Paul is appealing to Philemon for mercy and grace for Onesimus. The great question is, did Philemon extend it? Regardless, Paul was so willing to pay the debt or wrong caused by Onesimus that he put it in writing that he would repay it. How much more should we consider the Bible and the volume of it as God's writing to us that He not only would pay but did pay our for our wrongs and debts?
As we consider the repayment of wrongs and debts today, perhaps there will be opportunity to right the wrong of another person or pay the debt of someone else. Will we sit in the seat of Philemon and judge them, or will we freely pay as Jesus did for their wrongs?
Next time we will consider what would make Paul the apostle happy, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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