Paul the Apostle writes to Philemon, asking him to forgive Onesimus, a runaway slave who has been converted to Christianity. Paul explains that Onesimus has made a transformation in Jesus Christ and is now a brother beloved. He asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as himself, and to put any debt that Onesimus owes him on Paul's account. The story illustrates the concept of debt forgiveness and the power of Jesus Christ to change lives. [... more]

The Christian family is not a private matter, but a personal one that brings people together in a blood-bought relationship. The Bible teaches that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible through the power of Christ, and that God provides the enabling grace to overcome sin and alienation. A study of the book of Philemon reveals the importance of taking the initiative in love and seeking reconciliation, even in the face of adversity. [... more]

The Bible teaches that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible through the empowering grace of God. Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon demonstrates the importance of welcoming others with the same level of welcome that we have received from Jesus, and how this can lead to a deeper understanding of the gospel and our relationship with God. [... more]

Christianity knows nothing of hopeless cases, and the story of Onesimus, a former slave, illustrates this truth. Paul's letter to Philemon shows how God's grace can transform lives, and how reconciliation is possible even in the face of deep hurt and rebellion. [... more]

Alistair Begg explores the concept of genuine restoration in the Bible, using the story of Philemon and Onesimus to illustrate the power of love and God's grace in transforming lives. [... more]

Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon reveals the power of genuine faith in empowering forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul's heartfelt greeting and thankfulness for Philemon's faith and love demonstrate the transformative impact of Christianity on individuals and relationships. [... more]

Repairing broken relationships requires dealing with unresolved conflicts, forgiving others, and reconciling relationships. The gospel is the standard by which we forgive others, and it's essential for emotional health, spiritual growth, and unity in the body of Christ. [... more]

The apostle Paul's heart is revealed in his letter to Philemon, a converted man, as he deals with the problem of slavery and the power of the gospel in individual lives, encouraging believers to trust in the Lord and connect with God's people. [... more]

The gospel of Jesus Christ can liberate individuals to become what God has created them to be, transforming the ruthless into the generous and the enslaved into the empowered. Through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul's letter to Philemon highlights the power of generosity and forgiveness, demonstrating how God's plan for individuals can be greater than their past mistakes and failures. [... more]

The book of Philemon reveals a powerful picture of the gospel's transformative power, as a self-centered businessman is transformed into a generous participant in the mission of God, and a former thief becomes a leader in the church. The gospel undoes the broken systems of the world from within, and Christians are called to leverage their time, treasure, and talents for the kingdom of God. [... more]

The biblical commands to forgive others are put into practice through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, a slave who ran away and was converted by Paul, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and its impact on relationships and society. [... more]

Paul's letter to Philemon reveals the heart of the Apostle, who appeals to Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus, a runaway slave, now a beloved brother in Christ. The letter highlights the importance of spiritual refreshment and reconciliation in the family of God, where believers are refreshed through worship, serving one another, and personal encouragement. [... more]

The Apostle Paul writes to Philemon, a wealthy Christian, about his runaway slave Onesimus, who has been saved by Paul's gospel. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him as a beloved brother, demonstrating the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in the family of God. [... more]

The Bible teaches us that it's not how we start the race that matters, but how we finish. Paul's letters to Philemon, 1st Timothy, 2nd Timothy, and Titus provide valuable lessons on Christian leadership, forgiveness, and finishing well in life. By staying connected to God's Word, acknowledging the evil in our hearts, avoiding spiritual arrogance, and thinking through the consequences of our actions, we can learn to finish well and have a strong testimony at the end of our lives. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon is a powerful reminder of the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in the Christian family. Paul's appeal to Philemon to welcome Onesimus back and forgive him is a demonstration of the transformative power of God's grace. As believers, we are called to take the initiative to be agents of reconciliation, just as Paul did, and to pray for the reconciling grace of God to be at work in our lives and in our communities. [... more]

Alistair Begg explores the story of Onesimus, a slave who ran away from his master's house, and how he was transformed by his encounter with Paul, who appealed to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus back. This is a powerful example of God's providence and the transformative power of salvation through Jesus Christ. [... more]

Alistair Begg explains why the Apostle Paul chose to make a request instead of a demand when it came time to reunite Philemon with his runaway servant Onesimus. Paul's appeal is based on love, and he recognizes that Onesimus has become a new creation in Christ, useful to both Philemon and himself. [... more]

The Bible teaches that a true follower of Christ will love and support their pastor, trust and depend on their local church, and view their business and wealth as belonging to God. The Apostle Paul commends Philemon, a wealthy businessman, for his commitment to the local church and his willingness to support Paul's ministry. Philemon's example is contrasted with that of Onesiphorus, a godly man who diligently sought out Paul in prison, and Lydia, a businesswoman who supported Paul's ministry and allowed her home to be used as a place of worship. [... more]

The recognition of unpayable debts to others who have benefited us with spiritual blessings sparks the idea of releasing temporal debts owed by others. Paul's letter to Philemon highlights the importance of forgiveness, citing the example of Onesimus, a runaway slave who was treated kindly by an American woman, leading to Mitsuo Foshida's conversion. Paul motivates Philemon to forgive Onesimus by emphasizing the character of one who forgives, the action of one who forgives, and the motives for forgiveness, including the recognition of unpayable debts, the ability to become a blessing to others, obedience to the Lord, accountability to godly leaders, and the power of divine grace. [... more]

A Christian's failure to forgive is unthinkable, as it imprisons them in their past, produces bitterness, gives Satan an open door, and hinders fellowship with God. The book of Philemon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, as Paul asks Philemon to forgive a repentant slave, Onesimus, and describes the kind of person who forgives, including a Christian with a concern for the Lord and a capacity to forgive. [... more]