Reinstatement of a Runaway

In this message, Chuck Swindoll explores Philemon, the shortest and most personal letter written by the Apostle Paul. The letter addresses a delicate crisis: Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon, stole from his master and fled to Rome to disappear into the crowd of runaways. However, through divine orchestration, the fugitive met Paul, converted to Christianity, and experienced a complete life transformation. Swindoll breaks the letter into three distinct sections:

1. Commendation: Paul encourages Philemon, praising him for refreshing the hearts of the saints [13–14].
2. Intercession: Paul appeals for Onesimus not based on apostolic rank, but on love, asking Philemon to receive him back as a brother rather than a slave [17–19].
3. Obligation: Paul pledges to personally repay any debt Onesimus owes, mirroring the concept of imputation.

Swindoll draws a powerful theological parallel, noting that every believer was once a "spiritual fugitive" running from God with a death penalty hanging over them. Just as Paul said, "Charge that to my account," Jesus Christ took the debt of humanity’s sin upon Himself, allowing spiritual runaways to be reinstated by the Father [29–31]. The message concludes with a historical insight suggesting that Onesimus may have gone on to become the Bishop of Ephesus, justifying why this brief personal note was preserved in the biblical canon [32–35].

Message Key Facts:

• The Context of Slavery: In the Roman Empire, there were approximately 60 million slaves who were considered "crude tools" or property. Runaways (fugitivus) faced severe punishment, including being branded with the letter "F" on their foreheads, torture, or crucifixion [4–5].
• Paul’s Prison Conditions: Contrary to the image of a dark dungeon, Paul was under house arrest in his own rented quarters (Acts 28). He was chained to a guard but had the freedom to welcome guests and preach, which is how he met Onesimus [10–11].
• The Three-Part Structure: Swindoll outlines the letter's flow as Commendation (focusing on Philemon), Intercession (focusing on Onesimus), and Obligation (focusing on Paul).
• The Power of Encouragement: Paul practices the ministry of refreshment by validating Philemon before asking for a favor. Swindoll notes that "anxiety weighs down the heart, but a good word makes it glad" (Proverbs 12:25) [14–16].
• Imputation Illustrated: Paul’s offer to pay Onesimus's debt ("Charge it to my account") provides a perfect illustration of the Gospel. Christ acts as the partner who intervenes for the guilty fugitive, paying the debt so the Master can receive them back.
• A Play on Words: In verse 20, Paul writes, "Let me benefit from you in the Lord." The Greek word for "benefit" is the root of the name Onesimus, essentially saying, "Let me draw some 'Onesimus' from you as I send Onesimus back" [27–28].
• Historical Connection: Swindoll cites Ignatius, a church father who wrote a letter to Ephesus 30–40 years later mentioning their bishop, Onesimus. Swindoll suggests this is the same former slave, now a leader in the church, who ensured Paul's postcard was included in the New Testament to showcase the power of God's transforming grace [32–35].

Message References:

• Philemon 1–25: The primary text detailing Paul’s appeal to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus.
• Acts 28:16, 30–31: The historical context of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, where he lived in rented quarters and preached unhindered [9–10].
• Proverbs 12:25: "Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad"—used to illustrate the ministry of encouragement.
• Philemon 10: Paul’s appeal for his "child" Onesimus, whom he led to faith while in chains.
• Philemon 18–19: Paul’s pledge to repay any wrong or debt caused by Onesimus.
• Philemon 20: The play on words regarding "benefit" (Onesimus).

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll