Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Philemon

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The Epistle to Philemon, one of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament, provides a unique perspective on faith in Christ, particularly as it pertains to interpersonal relationships and Christian fellowship. This brief letter, addressed by the Apostle Paul to Philemon, a fellow believer and leader in the Colossian church, centers on the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of faith in Christ.

Context and Background

Philemon was a respected member of the early Christian community, likely a wealthy individual who hosted a church in his home. The letter is primarily concerned with Onesimus, a runaway slave who had come to faith in Christ through Paul's ministry while the apostle was imprisoned. Paul writes to Philemon, urging him to receive Onesimus not merely as a returning slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Faith in Action

Paul's appeal to Philemon is deeply rooted in the shared faith they have in Christ. In Philemon 1:5-6 , Paul acknowledges Philemon's love and faith: "because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ." Here, faith is not an abstract concept but a dynamic force that influences behavior and relationships within the Christian community.

Transformation Through Faith

The transformation of Onesimus from a runaway slave to a brother in Christ exemplifies the redemptive power of faith. Paul emphasizes this change in Philemon 1:10-11 : "I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." The play on Onesimus' name, which means "useful," highlights the profound change wrought by faith in Christ, turning a fugitive into a valuable member of the Christian family.

Faith and Forgiveness

Paul's letter to Philemon underscores the necessity of forgiveness as an expression of faith. In Philemon 1:17-18 , Paul writes, "So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account." This appeal is a practical demonstration of faith, urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to restore their relationship based on their mutual faith in Christ.

Faith and Christian Brotherhood

The epistle also highlights the concept of Christian brotherhood, which transcends social and cultural barriers. In Philemon 1:15-16 , Paul states, "For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother." This redefinition of relationships within the body of Christ is a direct result of faith, which unites believers in a spiritual family.

Conclusion

The Epistle to Philemon, though brief, offers profound insights into the nature of faith in Christ. It illustrates how faith transforms individuals and relationships, calling believers to live out their faith through love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Through Paul's appeal to Philemon, the letter serves as a testament to the power of faith to reshape lives and communities in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Philemon 1:5
Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Philemon i. 6-Apr
... Having confidence," by which he implies that Philemon was a ... only that, but adding
the expression "in Christ," by which ... it was on account of his faith in Christ ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm

The Supremacy of Christ
... his argument is to show the Deity of Christ. ... holds "aloft the true object of faith
namely, the ... Sending of the Epistles+"Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study ix the supremacy of.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ...
... addressed to Philemon, a substantial citizen of Colossae. He has been converted
by St. Paul, who writes with deep appreciation of his faith in Christ, and of ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiv the epistle of.htm

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ...
... grace of God to be appropriated by faith on man's part." Third Group, Colossians,
Philemon, Ephesians, and ... degrade the person and work of Christ, and the ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study vii the future of 2.htm

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
... '...Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.' "PHILEMON 9.. ... II. Faith
in Christ will make a joyful life, whatever its circumstances. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the young saul and the.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... For illustration, see Philemon 18 ... 3:2""Beloved, now are we the sons of God."
Gal.3:26""For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." See ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

In Rome
... of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which
is in you in Christ Jesus." The apostle reminded Philemon that every good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... Paul's Epistles to the To Philemon. Pauli espistol?? ad Philemonem. ... Adam, are redeemed
by Christ, [1002] are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Philippians iii. 10-Jul
Homilies on Gal, Eph, Phi, Col, Thess, Tim, Titus, and Philemon. ... even that which
is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness ...
/.../homily xi philippians iii 10-jul.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... Philemon,. Hebrews,. ... And whosoever believeth in Christ is born again, for, saith
the Scripture, 'ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.'. ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm