The Christ of Philemon: Jesus is the Restorer of Relationships!
1. Although Onesimus is guilty of a great offense (11, 18)
2. Paul is moved to intercede on his behalf (10-17)
3. Paul lays aside his rights (8)
4. Paul becomes Onesimus’s substitute by assuming his debt (18-19)
5. By Philemon’s gracious act, Onesimus will be restored and placed in a new relationship (15-16)
6. In this analogy, we are as Onesimus…Paul’s advocacy before Philemon is parallel to Christ’s work of mediation before the Father…Onesimus was condemned by law, but saved by grace!
Jason
