Day 17 – High Calling; High Status
(Philemon v 8-16)
Paul’s very personal letter to Philemon has a lot to teach us about the value and transformative power of the gospel. Paul had encountered Onesimus, Philemon’s run -away slave, while in prison. Onesimus had responded to the gospel through Paul, who became his father in the Lord. Onesimus had grown in the faith and served Paul in the gospel as his child in the Lord.
Paul referred to only Timothy and Onesimus as “my child” (1 Cor. 4:17 & Philem. Vs.10). The power of the gospel is to bring transformation, reconciliation and restoration is demonstrated in this passage.
The gospel changes lives
The gospel changes lives, regardless of our past, previous background, or status. Onesimus was changed through the gospel of Christ. From a rebellious run-away slave to a faithful and beloved brother (Col. 4:9).
Onesimus served God, and Paul in the gospel. He was not only useful to Paul in the ministry, but his character was changed. His willingness to go back to Philemon was proof of the change in Onesimus’ life.
Our calling in Christ is a high calling
In reading this letter, one is taken aback by Paul’s method of confronting the social issues of his time. Paul did not appear to confront the social structure of slavery in his time, instead, he points to the calling of Christ, as a higher calling to the slaves and masters. He sent Onesimus back to Philemon, contrary to Deut. 23:15, as a demonstration of the gospel message.
Our calling in Christ, through the gospel, is a higher calling – a calling where masters and slaves are equal. It is a calling that is higher than social status. The gospel brings reconciliation by breaking down racial, cultural, social, economic, political, and religious barriers.
Restoration is to God’s original purpose
Onesimus was restored to Philemon, not as a run-away slave, but as a faithful and beloved brother. This restoration is not to the “status quo”, but to God’s original purpose. Our salvation is a higher calling and means a higher status which is over and above any biological, social, cultural, or economic status.
Those who are in Christ have equal value before God and this value transcends whatever class or status society may want to place you in.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling“
Ephesians 4:4
