Partnership in the Gospel
Thank you for being my partner on this journey. I can understand why the apostle Paul loved Onesimus as deeply as he did. When you go through trials with someone, they become like family. Today, in the brief letter to Philemon, we witness exactly this kind of bond.
When I was a young Christian, I adopted a saying: “Preach the gospel at all times, and only use words when necessary.” For years I incorrectly attributed it either to Thomas Aquinas or Francis of Assisi, yet historians now agree neither of them ever said it. (1) Still, the saying resonated with me—mostly because I was afraid to use words to share the gospel. I hoped my actions would be enough.
In truth, many people spoke of Jesus while their lives offered no evidence of knowing Him. Paul warns Timothy about such people whose outward religion denies the power of God (2 Tim 3:5). Non-believers often point to these “hypocrites” as excuses to avoid the faith.
With that tension in mind, Philemon becomes fascinating: it is the only letter where Paul never explicitly mentions the death, burial, or resurrection of Jesus. Instead, Paul shows the gospel through his actions.
The Church at Colossae
Philemon was a leader in the church of Colossae, a city in Asia Minor. Paul likely led him to Christ during his ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:8–10). The church met in Philemon’s home (Philemon 2), implying that he was wealthier than many believers—wealthy enough to own slaves, including a young man named Onesimus.
We do not have every detail, but Paul hints Onesimus stole from Philemon and then ran away (Philemon 18). Sin often compounds itself—one wrong leading to another. How many times have we lied, avoided someone, or run from a situation simply because we did not want to deal with the consequences of our own actions?
In his running, Onesimus somehow encountered Paul. He may have met him years earlier through Philemon in Ephesus; he may even have sought Paul out intentionally. Whatever the path, Scripture tells us Onesimus found Paul “in chains” (Philemon 10, 13)—likely during Paul’s house arrest in Rome (cf. Acts 28:16, 30–31). There he served Paul, heard the gospel, and it changed his life.
Paul says of him, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me” (Philemon 11). His very name, Onesimus, means “useful”—a gospel transformation hidden inside a pun.
Grace That Must Be Shared
Paul now shows Philemon how to respond as a Christian. They are “partners” in the gospel—the Greek word koinonia meaning shared life, shared mission, and shared grace (Philemon 6). If Philemon had received grace from Jesus, he must extend it to Onesimus.
Paul writes:
“No longer as a slave but better than a slave—as a beloved brother.”
— Philemon 16
That is the gospel: we are not merely forgiven; we are adopted (Gal 4:4–7, Rom 8:15–17). Paul does not merely ask Philemon to excuse Onesimus—he asks him to embrace him as family.
Then, Paul does something remarkable. Instead of simply reminding Philemon that Christ took our sins upon Himself (2 Cor 5:21), Paul embodies it:
“If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.”
— Philemon 18
This is the gospel enacted. Paul stands between the guilty and the offended and says, “Let the debt fall on me.” That is exactly what Jesus did for us.
The Room Prepared for Us
Paul then adds a tender request:
“Prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”
— Philemon 22
It’s difficult not to hear in this the gentle echo of Jesus’ promise:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again and take you to myself.”
— John 14:2–3
Of course, Paul is not claiming divine authority—he is simply expressing hope to visit. But the parallel is beautifully devotional: as Paul hoped to return to Philemon, Jesus has promised to return for us.
A Gospel Shown, Not Spoken
Philemon vividly shows how to present the gospel without words. Paul never states the central doctrines of the cross explicitly—he lives them out. But we cannot read this as a license to avoid speaking.
Paul writes elsewhere:
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart … you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9
Actions may draw people close enough to listen.
But words—the confession of Christ—lead them to salvation.
So wherever that old quote came from, Philemon shows what it means to live the gospel. But Paul also taught the necessity of speaking the gospel.
Our lives may help people want to know us.
Our words help them know Jesus.
Tomorrow, we will read Hebrews 1-4.
Footnotes
- BibleProject, Philemon Overview, video, https://bibleproject.com/videos/philemon/