Although neither the Greek word for "forgiveness" (charizomai) nor the Greek word for "reconciliation" (apokatallasso) appear in the letter of Paul to Philemon, they are major themes carried throughout the letter. In Philemon, Paul's sentiment is to usher in forgiveness and restore relationship between Philemon and Onesimus (Plm. 1:8-10, 16-17). After having explained what forgiveness and reconciliation is in terms of Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-12; Col. 1:19-23) Paul shows us what it might look like between two people in his letter to Philemon (New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible). He does this pastorally and diplomatically. First he identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ (v.1). This is unusual for Paul, as he normally identifies himself
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This is a wonderful example of pastoral leadership. Paul could command Philemon to do what he wants. But Paul wants Philemon to come to the decision to forgive and take back Onesimus on his own, out of love, and faith in Christ. Paul additionally, appeals to Philemon on the basis of Paul’s own love for Onesimus (v.10, 12). In v. 17 Paul asks that Onesimus be greeted as Paul would be greeted. Let us remember how big of a request this is. Going back to verse 16 we know that Onesimus is a slave of Philemon's, and Paul is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as both a "beloved brother"(v.16) and "partner" (v.17). Culturally this sort of thing would be unheard of. Yet Paul is very persuasive. If Paul’s appeal through diplomatic persuasion and pastoral concern were not enough, Paul then, in v. 18, pledges to take on any debt that Onesimus may have incurred. Paul also makes sure to mention, not mentioning the debt that Philemon owes him as his last appeal (v.19) …show more content…
Rather it is a pastoral guide that depicts the theological depth of forgiveness as the basis for reconciliation. It shows us , what such forgiveness to the extent of reconciliation might look like. According to V. Taylor in Forgiveness and Reconciliation "... it (forgiveness) is a stage antecedent to reconciliation , it is that which makes reconciliation possible" (3). To this end, we note that Paul is not simply asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus (v.10) but also to be reconciled with him (v.16-18). What is more, is that Paul expects not only for Onesimus to be welcomed back, forgiven and put right with Philemon, but he expects for the relationship between the two to grow. He expects for Onesimus to become like a brother, and partner to Philemon. In v.21 Paul states his confidence that Philemon will do even more than he is asked. To me, this shows an even deeper understanding of reconciliation, that it does not simply restore relationship back to where it was, but creates room for the relationship to grow. Christ did this for all of us, by restoring our relationship with the Triune God, Christ allows for the Holy Spirit to continually sanctify us through the sacraments and through our faith in God. We can become as close to God through our faith and sanctification as we allow ourselves. Our theological understanding of forgiveness now includes reconciliation. I wonder however, if that
This is a wonderful example of pastoral leadership. Paul could command Philemon to do what he wants. But Paul wants Philemon to come to the decision to forgive and take back Onesimus on his own, out of love, and faith in Christ. Paul additionally, appeals to Philemon on the basis of Paul’s own love for Onesimus (v.10, 12). In v. 17 Paul asks that Onesimus be greeted as Paul would be greeted. Let us remember how big of a request this is. Going back to verse 16 we know that Onesimus is a slave of Philemon's, and Paul is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as both a "beloved brother"(v.16) and "partner" (v.17). Culturally this sort of thing would be unheard of. Yet Paul is very persuasive. If Paul’s appeal through diplomatic persuasion and pastoral concern were not enough, Paul then, in v. 18, pledges to take on any debt that Onesimus may have incurred. Paul also makes sure to mention, not mentioning the debt that Philemon owes him as his last appeal (v.19) …show more content…
Rather it is a pastoral guide that depicts the theological depth of forgiveness as the basis for reconciliation. It shows us , what such forgiveness to the extent of reconciliation might look like. According to V. Taylor in Forgiveness and Reconciliation "... it (forgiveness) is a stage antecedent to reconciliation , it is that which makes reconciliation possible" (3). To this end, we note that Paul is not simply asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus (v.10) but also to be reconciled with him (v.16-18). What is more, is that Paul expects not only for Onesimus to be welcomed back, forgiven and put right with Philemon, but he expects for the relationship between the two to grow. He expects for Onesimus to become like a brother, and partner to Philemon. In v.21 Paul states his confidence that Philemon will do even more than he is asked. To me, this shows an even deeper understanding of reconciliation, that it does not simply restore relationship back to where it was, but creates room for the relationship to grow. Christ did this for all of us, by restoring our relationship with the Triune God, Christ allows for the Holy Spirit to continually sanctify us through the sacraments and through our faith in God. We can become as close to God through our faith and sanctification as we allow ourselves. Our theological understanding of forgiveness now includes reconciliation. I wonder however, if that