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Philemon 23-25
The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to Philemon with greetings from his fellow workers in Christ and grace from our Lord Jesus Christ (Philemon 23-25). Even while in prison, the ministry team held together in Christ Jesus to spread the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 13:9-11(NKJV), “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
This is a promise the God can work His will through those who are willing to follow Him, even in prison.
The letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon holds to the call for grace, mercy, and forgiveness not simply in the life of Onesimus, a runaway slave, but to everyone, everywhere as we are all runaways from God’s provisional authority and care for our lives. Paul stood up for Onesimus and offered himself to be held accountable for any debt to be paid on his behalf (Philemon 18). Jesus stood up for each of us and took our debt to the cross to pay for it on our behalf. Debt that could only be paid by a sinless sacrifice – the sinless sacrifice of Christ Jesus. The Bible teaches us in Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Dear LORD,
The Apostle Paul worked through prison to lead those to You who were lost, and to show us all that You are able and can work Your saving grace and mercy in every corner of the world. We all need Your grace and mercy extended to us through Christ Jesus. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.