Ready to Forgive September 2

Philemon 1:2-5

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

Apphia is presumed to be the wife of Philemon and Archippus, his son. Notice that Paul greets them rather than Philemon; in fact, Philemon isn't mentioned until the very last verse in this letter.

We can gather some insights from this letter seeking forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus. First, Onesimus wasn't running away from slavery; he was running to the gospel, he wanted to remain a servant, but he wanted to serve in another capacity.

Honestly, he wanted to be next to the man of God, the anointing on Paul was authentic; myself being around some very anointed men and women of God, you can feel the Lord's presence. Onesimus wanted that so much that he was willing to serve in a dungeon!

Notice Philemon pastored a church in his home. When anointed to be a pastor, not only do they get the call, but his wife gets the call too.

This letter is about forgiveness, so Paul sees the need to forgive and positions the first two people who've been affected the most. Apphia & Archippus. Mother and son probably had to pick up Onesimus's chores, which perhaps caused some harsh feelings.

But this letter is open-ended; when Paul arrives, he will settle the debt, and there is no mention of him returning to settle up. It's open-ended for a reason.

We are always to be forgiving.

He is: Elohay Selichot

The God Who is Ready to Forgive

Blessing's