Philemon 1, 10-22

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, ....

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back – not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have 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 ask.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Note: Philemon was and rich and righteous man, and a good friend of Paul’s. Onesimus had been Philemon’s slave and it appears from the letter that he had stolen from Philemon and then run away. Paul met Onesimus in prison in Rome. Onesimus became a Christian and a close associate of Paul. Paul decided to try to bring about reconciliation of Philemon and Onesimus by writing this letter. In it he acknowledges the harm Onesimus caused, writes of Onesimus’ changed life, offers to pay restitution to Philemon, and invites Philemon to receive Onesimus as a free brother in the Church.


When an offender and victim genuinely make the effort to begin and work through the steps or processes we have already examined – taking responsibility, confession and repentance, forgiveness, and making amends – reconciliation between them becomes a real possibility. Reconciliation is the culmination of the interpersonal aspects of these steps. It has to do with the relationship between an offender and the victim who has suffered loss and harm from the offense. Reconciliation involves the restoration of harmony, trust, and peace between people in conflict.

Seeking and achieving reconciliation can be intensive. It can take time for reconciliation to become complete, and sometimes it helps to have other people assist with this process. Often reconciliation begins when the offender confesses and repents (as in the case of Onesimus), but it may begin with the victim’s offer of forgiveness. However, for reconciliation to be complete, both parties will need to do their parts.

The work of God in the world is the story of a long reconciliation. God’s reconciliation begins with the restoration of people to a good and right relationship with himself, and then extends to restoration of people with each other. God has gone to great lengths, and continues to do so through his Spirit, to draw men and women into close relationship with him. God longs to see people reconcile with each other, and he promises to act in our lives to bring about reconciliation as we ask and receive his grace for the task.

Used by permission - www.restorativejustice.org - a ministry of Prison Fellowship International

Last modified: Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 11:19 AM