In this episode, we see Paul make a remarkable choice. He could have ordered Philemon to act — he had every right to do so in Christ. But Paul lays down that right and appeals instead on the basis of love. He also introduces himself in a way that is both humble and deeply moving: not as an apostle wielding authority, but as Paul the aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Love, not rank, is his argument. This is the gospel way — not compulsion, but an appeal from the heart.
“…yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you — since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus —”
— Philemon 9 (NASB 1995)
Leave a Reply