What do we think of when we hear the word “substitute”? Is it an teacher, a pinch hitter, or a lesser skilled player? Some might like to think of those who are lesser, but what if the person were one of greater skills? Would our feelings and thoughts be the same then? Perhaps these questions are a great way to approach today's verse in the book of Philemon. In verse thirteen we discover where not only is Paul the apostle interceding for Onesimus to Philemon, but he even declares Onesimus a thriving substitute for Philemon. Paul wrote:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Paul decided to send Onesimus back to Philemon, even if Philemon might not be so happy about his return. Onesimus was now a Christian, and although he may pay a price for his return, going back to his master Philemon was the righteous action to take. Paul, however, states of Onesimus, “whom I would have retained with me”. This statement indicates that Onesimus was living up to his name “profitable” with Paul. Paul saw value in Onesimus, and Paul saw a benefit to having Onesimus with him. Now our inclination might have been “then you go ahead and have him or her” when someone has wronged us as much as Onesimus had Philemon, but Paul intercedes for him.
Furthermore, Paul the apostle wrote, “that in your stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:”. In other words, Onesimus would be the substitute for Philemon. Instead of Philemon doing the work, Onesimus would. Paul was more than likely in prison at this time for his infractions against Jewish law for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, this did not stop Paul from sharing with others. There are indications from other books in the Bible that Paul used his prison as a base of operations and would send couriers to carry out his message. Paul saw Onesimus as not only a new brother in Christ, but also a benefit to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul desired to retain Onesimus for ministry, but deferred permission to Philemon.
Slaves were abundant in the days of the Roman Empire, and their treatment was very shameful. They had no rights, no ownership, and no ability for appeal. If they ran away, they were treated severely as to warn other slaves to never attempt such an act. They were usually beaten, killed or at the least branded with an “F” on their foreheads to declare them a “fugitivos” or fugitive. This punishment perhaps awaited Philemon. Can we imagine his thoughts as he returned to his master Philemon? And still, Paul desired to retain Onesimus for the benefit of the gospel. No wonder Paul made such intercession.
Can we liken ourselves to Onesimus for a moment? We were once runaways from God, and yet Jesus has interceded. We have stolen from God, and yet Jesus has interceded. We deserve punishment, beating, death or at the least branding, and yet Jesus has interceded. We should be labeled “fugitivos”, and yet Jesus has interceded. Oh what joy should fill our hearts as we examine these wonderful words of Paul the apostle as they become an ever growing example of the manner in which Jesus pleads to the Heavenly Father on our behalf. Rather than punishment and banishment as runaway slaves, we are drawn close and retained for the gospel's sake and useful in Jesus' desire to spread the gospel throughout the world.
Next time we shall look further into Paul's intercession for Onesimus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
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