The story of Onesimus brings reality to two things that Paul’s letter to the Ephesians teaches us

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord…that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel…wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 3:11, 6; Ephesians 2:11-13

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephesians 6:5-9

Only the power of the grace by which we stand in Christ could foster such reconciliation. See the story as related by Eugene P. Vedder Jnr.

“We see the loving heart of the apostle and his godly tact in this letter, as he commends Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon who had stolen from him as well. (Think about the consequences for a runaway slave who stole from his master in those times!) Onesimus had come to Rome, and there, God had used Paul to lead him to the Lord. He had become “a faithful and beloved brother” who, together with Tychicus, carried Paul’s letter to the Colossian assembly (Col. 4:9) and shared personal news about Paul with them. Then he personally also brought Paul’s letter to Philemon, his old master, now brother. The letter paints a beautiful picture of the tremendous changes that receiving Christ makes in attitudes and relationships.”

How has your faith in Christ transformed your relationships with others? Do you make manifest the aroma of Christ? This is another evidence of the “fruits” of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ (Phil 1:11). What is your disposition to those who have caused you hurts? Consider these things. This is the way that “the communication of Philemon’s truth became effectual, communicating the heart of forgiveness that was in him in Christ Jesus. It is time to be “wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19b). The Lord is at hand! Selah


Pastor Afolabi Oladele