Title: Make Me Rejoice in You
The book of Philemon is one of Paul's prison epistles. This book of Philemon is a letter Paul wrote to a brother named Philemon in Colossae when he was imprisoned in Rome because of the gospel.
1. Contents of the letter
Philemon is a close friend who shared the gospel with Paul and helped Paul. Philemon was not only the head of a wealthy family, but also a true worker of Christ who was zealous for the Lord in his entire family, and a minister and devoted worker of the church that even built a church in that house. This Philemon had a servant named Onesimus, who for some reason ran away from the house and came to Rome to meet Paul. Paul made this Onesimus a new person with the gospel.
Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, his master, for Onesimus, who was running away from his master's house, asking him to forgive and accept Onesimus through his generosity and love in Christ. Paul sent this letter through Onesimus, not someone else, so he had it delivered to his master. In this epistle, the beautiful humanity of Paul and the beautiful fragrance of his love for the brother of faith in the Lord are deeply moved, leaving a deep impression on the readers.
2. Greetings to the family
In introducing himself, Paul, like other epistles, does not first put forth the words of his apostleship, but rather reveals his identity in prison. However, regarding his prison status, Paul expresses the highest glory for his prison status by saying 'Paul who became a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus'. Regarding suffering for the sake of Christ, the Apostle Peter says: "Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or theft, or an evildoer, or a meddler in other people's affairs; but if he suffers as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but give glory to God in his name."
In this case, Jesus spoke more meaningful words. He said, 'Blessed are you when they curse and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.' Regarding Philemon, in verse 1 Paul said that he was our co-worker and our beloved. Paul always treated those who worked for the gospel with respect and gratitude. Also, in Philemon's house, there were brothers who were close to Paul, such as his sisters Abbia and Archippus.
This Archippus, a fellow soldier, shows his active and devoted faith. This man is known as a very influential person in Philemon's house, and it is also said that he is Philemon's son. It is called the church in your house. The recipient of this letter was called by these various people, but the main figure was Philemon. At that time, the church did not have a separate church building as it is now, but gathered together in the house of a believing brother to pray, break bread, and worship. The Christian gathering is the church.
3. Arbitrary line
Paul speaks of arbitrary good in verse 14. He said, 'That your good works may be done voluntarily, not as forced.' Paul did not force us to do good. Forced work is not sustainable. If you force yourself to do it, it becomes a burden on your heart instead of a pleasure. Good deeds are important, not intentionally. Good deeds according to one's own will and decisions are beautiful. Good deeds do not happen suddenly.
First, we must learn to do good works with joy and gratitude. And this should become a Christian lifestyle. Good deeds, accompanied by joy and gratitude, are like a good medicine that changes everything about that person. And this kind of good behavior becomes a habit of that person, and you can do these good deeds arbitrarily throughout your life. Coercion is fraught with difficulty. If you work hard and regret it, the results will not be good.