TOPIC:"The Loftiness of Christian Love"
"I appeal to you on the basis of love...I appeal to you for my son Onesimus" (vv. 9, 10, NIV)
The loftiness of God's love is found in the amazing fact that it is unconditional towards all people. It embraces everyone no matter who they are, where they live or what they have done. Such love is described for us by the Apostle John in these words: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Or as the Apostle Paul wrote: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, KJV). In order to receive such love man does not need to work for it, qualify for it, or do penitence for it. It comes to every person by means of the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
Now this is the background we must have in order to appreciate what Paul had to say to his dear friend Philemon about Onesimus as he writes this magnificent letter of Christian love to him. Onesimus was a slave from Colossae who had fled from his master Philemon to Rome to escape the consequences of his crime. Under Roman law Philemon's power was unlimited in dealing with Onesimus. Recaptured slaves were branded on the forehead, condemned to double labor, and even put to death by crucifixion if caught stealing.
It is at this point that Paul sets forth what Christian love is all about. This fugitive from justice came within reach of Paul at Rome and was converted to Christ under his ministry. After his conversion, Onesimus became a trusted friend and loyal helper to Paul in his work. Now Paul writes this letter to plead with Philemon to receive Onesimus back by forgiving him for he was now a beloved brother in the Lord and a redeemed son in the Kingdom. We read in the words of verses 9 and 15 these words of Paul: "I appeal to you on the basis of love...that you might have him back."
Joseph Lightfoot, great English theologian of past years, suggests that according to Paul's words in verses 16 and 21 he was really requesting for Philemon to emancipate him. Give ear to Paul's words: "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother...Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." In those words, I believe, we behold the liberation of Onesimus.
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