Philemon 1:1-12


Sin has a way of disorienting our lives, but the Gospel deals directly with the defilement, distance, and debt of sin.


In his letter to Philemon, the Apostle Paul indirectly crafts an intriguing story of redemption. The story of Philemon and Onesimus shows us how to start a new year with the record clear.


After coming to Christ, Philemon became such a Christian, he set up a church in his own house. However, Philemon had a slave named Onesimus, who stole from his master and ran away.


At the same time, Paul was a house prisoner in Rome, and through divine circumstances, Paul and Onesimus were brought together, and Paul led Onesimus to the Lord.


After discipling him for a while, Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter. This letter itself is a wonderful illustration of salvation.


First, the Gospel renews what was defiled by sin.


Philemon 1:10-11 says, “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.”


The name ‘Onesimus’ means ‘profitable.’ In sin, we are all runaway slaves, altogether unprofitable. Yet, when we’re saved and begin to become more like Jesus Christ, we are made beautiful and profitable to His kingdom.


The Gospel also receives what sin once separated.


Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul. (See Philemon 1:17.) Likewise, through Jesus Christ, God receives us, who were once distanced by our slavery to sin, as He would receive His son, Jesus.


Finally, the Gospel deals with the debt of sin.


“But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account” (Philemon 1:18).

Paul takes on Onesimus’ debt as his own. This is a picture of what Jesus has done for us.


Adrian Rogers says, “Every blot, every blur, every blemish has been put on the account of the Lord Jesus Christ.”


We can start the new year with a clear record, because our spiritual debts have been paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ.


Life Application

Have you been running away from God? Are you ready for a new start, a clear record? Put your faith in Jesus Christ, who has dealt with the defilement, distance, and debt of sin.


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