Philemon 1:10 “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was profitable to you but now is profitable to you and to me.”
Paul was praying for the reconciliation of two brothers in Christ. Their relationship was straining, as Onesimus was a runaway slave who met Paul while he was in Rome. He was fleeing from his master, Philemon.
We should not consider it a coincidence that Onesimus flees from his master and encounters the one who led his master to salvation. I see this as divine, perhaps a divine setup by God.
Paul’s prayer was not just a plea for reconciliation but a powerful tool for initiating the process of forgiveness. He sent Onesimus back to Philemon in the hope that his prayer would be answered and that Philemon would not only receive Onesimus but also forgive him.
As a father and a leader in the faith, Paul had the authority to command Philemon to receive him. Instead, he chose to make an appeal, reflecting his respect and desire for reconciliation rather than enforcing his authority.
Might we consider this approach? While we may have the power to impose our will on someone else—perhaps due to something they owe us—might we instead pray and intercede? Might we pray that what needs to be done, the righteous actions, be done voluntarily out of the individual’s own willingness and righteous desire rather than being imposed on them? For would such an act ever be acceptable to God? Would it even contribute positively to someone’s account? Trust that intercession is effective and use the authority you have in it rather than the authority you have over others.
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