I Will Repay It – Philemon 1:17-25

Is Christianity the only religion that speaks of God giving forgiveness?  No.  But it is the only religion that bases that forgiveness in sacrifice or payment of the penalty for sin, the sacrifice of the Son of God.  Forgiveness without payment of the penalty is a failure of justice.  God is not only just, but the justifier, the forgiver, of those who believe in Him (Romans 3:21-26).  Paul mimics this complement of justice and grace.

So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  (Philemon 1:17-25 ESV)

We have all been redeemed because Jesus took what we owed God and charged it to his own account.  He repaid what we couldn’t.  Now Paul imitates Christ and does the same for the runaway slave Onesimus.  Onesimus couldn’t pay his debt, but Paul could.  So he urges forgiveness from Philemon for Onesimus, not without consequence or payment for the penalty, but based in Paul’s remission of Onesimus’ debt and Paul’s own love for Onesimus.

Paul knows Philemon will do even more than what he has asked him.  What has he asked him?  To receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ without indebtedness.  What could Philemon do beyond that?  He could release Onesimus from slavery and let him work for him as an employee.  What has God asked of us?  To love Him, love others, and make disciples of all nations in His name.  He is confident of our obedience.