Onesimus: Repentance, Restoration and Reconciliation There were few people who Paul mentioned in his epistles as his fellow labourers. One of such persons was Onesimus. Onesimus was one of whom by whose hands the epistle of Paul to the Colossians was sent. The other person was Tychicus. The epistle of Paul to Philemon is a one-chapter book hidden between Titus and Hebrew and it is focused on Onesimus. The epistle is a private intercessory letter written by Paul and sent to Philemon through Onesimus who is also the main figure in the epistle. According to Thompson (1988, p. 1630), Onesimus “was a runaway slave of Philemon. It is inferred that he robbed his master and fled to Rome. Here, he came under the influence of Paul and was converted. He became a devoted disciple of Christ.” The epistle to Philemon reveals Paul’s effort to reconcile Onesimus with his master (Philemon) whom he had defrauded. Paul admitted that Onesimus had been unprofitable in the past. He however pointed out that he had had a changed life having been converted as he later referred to him as ‘a faithful and beloved brother’ in Colossians 4:9. He begged Onesimus to receive him back. He further vowed that if Onesimus had wronged him or owed him anything, he (Paul) would repay him. He brought Onesimus to conversion. He then facilitated his reconciliation with his erstwhile boss. In Paul’s action was displayed the whole essence of Christ’s death for man. Indeed, Paul knew the essence of his conversion and he never failed on this vision given him on his way to Damascus. The essence of Christ’s death for man was clearly depicted by Paul’s role in bringing Onesimus to conversion and ultimately reconciling him with his master. Like Onesimus who fled from his master Philemon in Colosse to Rome where he met Paul, till date man flees from God his Maker because of sinful acts. He creates distance between himself and God. But God’s mercy never says No. As Paul brought fleeing Onesimus to conversion and then reconciled him with his master, Christ still reconciles every fleeing sinner with God his Maker. He takes man in his sin ravaged life and re-dresses him with honour. The favour he has lost before (just as Onesimus did) is restored back to him by Christ. As Paul interceded for Onesimus, Christ intercedes for us today. The role Paul played in the Onesimus-Philemon re-union is what Jesus does today in the life of sinners who are on the run as Onesimus was. I do not know how far Colosse was from Rome but regardless of the distance, mercy trailed and found Onesimus. No matter how far one has gone from God in wanton unrighteousness, he can still be found. The re-union of man with God begins with a genuine repentance as Onesimus had. Repentance/Conversion provides the ground for reconciliation with God. Onesimus personally delivered the epistle to Philemon. He was bold again because he had found mercy with the Master of masters. Hence, he was perhaps convinced he would favour before his earthly master and he did. A straying sinner can emulate Onesimus by boldly coming to the throne of mercy to obtain help in his dire need for it. The first help he needs is the lifting of the burden of sin off him. It begins with repentance by putting a stop to sin, reconciling with God and then living in His mercy. Therefore, let the man who needs help come boldly to the throne of grace. Let the backslider too know that he can be restored to favour as Onesimus was. Let him come and obtain mercy. Let him take this opportunity of help. Let him accept Christ as his Helper. Let him put off shame and pride. Let him know that the one who preaches to him too had once been a vile person but mercy re-made him. Let him know that delay is deadly. Let him know that his victory begins now with a simple decision to repent and reconcile with God. Finally, let him know that ‘… the end of all things is at hand…’ 1 Peter 4:7. Let him know also that ‘the night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.’ Romans 13:12. Vessel Anani Sunday K (VASK) is saved by grace. Reference made to: Thompson, R.C. (1988). Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indiana: B.B. Kirkbride Bible Company Incorporation.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 10:55:42 +0000
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