What a beautiful expression of brotherly lovingness, is exposed to us in Philemon. I have often heard preachers speaking of the tenderness and mercy that Paul, so clearly exhibited to Philemon about the slave friend Onesimus.
Today, as I read the passage, it was clear to me that Paul saw a clear distinction between the usefulness of the tools that God gave him in his work and the friends and dear ones that God gave him for his own comfort. Onesimus was this dear to Paul, he spoke in his letter. Paul was so precious to note the care and usefulness of many who ministered to him. But, I don't recall him calling anyone his intestinal friend. That is a care that was given, only to this man.
{This is particularly a blessing to me, whose care about my family and children, sometimes moves me to intestinal convulsion.}
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Remembering the bound, as being bound with them, is a ministry that the slave and the incarcerated may be well suited to. This seems to be the case with Onesimus. It is often the case that, when a person is highly respected, the personal emotional needs are difficult to minister to. Onesimus was humbled in his station and able only to see the humble needs of this esteemed man of God. Paul took note of the personal care of him.
More than just saving this runaway from a certain death, upon his return; I think that Paul was ministered to, in his spirit. Devout men, it seems, can be taken advantage of, in their sensitivities. They must be guarded in their emotional vulnerability. It looks as though God had granted Paul such guards about him. Not so guarded that his personal and emotional frame is not ministered to.
Onesimus was someone that, if lost would cause the Apostle an intestinal convulsion. We must preserve this man, for our esteemed minister's sake.
These types of relationships are rare. It is only when the face of death and loss, looks into the face of the reality of a death sentence upon him that this kind of a relationship is possible. It is not the kind that can happen over a cup of tea, in a lovely and beautiful home.
This servant of God, who had suffered much for the sake of Christ, had much to cry about and much emotional need to be ministered to. God sent him a slave. His heart was lifted and the ministry of helps and care is blessed to know that this man of God, was a man and blessed in friendship with those who cared.Philemon
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