Philemon 15-16 15For perhaps on account of this he was separated for a while, in order that you would have him back forever,16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
This is the first mention in the letter of Onesimus’ status as a slave. Paul sees a greater purpose going on with his contact with Onesimus. Although he does not say directly, behind this statement is the faith and assurance that God’s had was at work in Onesimus’ life. The passive verb was separated (echōristhē) shows that this separation of Onesimus from Philemon was done by outside factors. What may have been a difficult situation and even dangerous on the part of Onesimus could turn out to be a win/win situation for everyone. Perhaps or “possibly” (tacha) indicates that there could have been a divine plan at work in Onesimus meeting Paul. Things to not happen accidentally. God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). What looked like something wrong that Onesimus did could actually turn out for the good of everyone. The reason is that Christ makes all things new (Revelation 21:5), and this renewal can begin in this lifetime (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The temporary human relationship between master and slave could take on new meaning now because these are now brothers in Christ. They both have joined God’s family, and this family is forever. Paul makes a significant claim in verse 17 that agrees with his other statements about slaves in his letters, particularly Galatians 3:28, that there is neither slave nor free when people are in Christ. Faith in Christ breaks down human barriers and crosses boundaries of this world. A new identity is given and assumed by those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. This is what happened to Onesimus. No longer is he the runaway slave but has become a beloved brother. Paul even shares in this identity by calling Onesimus his own brother. The great apostle of the church associated himself with the lowest in the society.
Onesimus could take on a new identity with Philemon also. Paul offers two possibilities of new relationship to Philemon, who can accept Onesimus’ new identities and thereby grow in his faith and love, or retreat back to the way his culture dictates masters should respond to slaves. One is that he could accept Onesimus in the flesh as a free person and an adopted brother. This would significantly change how he interacted with Philemon. Paul essentially lifts up the social standing of Onesimus to the status of family. The second is that he could accept Onesimus in the Lord as a Christian brothers. This last new relationship should influence and determine the first relationship. When a person becomes a believer, that changes many things about relationships. Are we willing to recognize these new relationships or will we force people back into cultural categories? It can be a challenge to change one’s thinking on these matters, but God’s grace in Christ can change people, both those who have power, authority, and position, and those who are receivers of these.
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