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Philemon 1:21-22
21 Having confidence [peitho] in thy [sou] obedience [hupakoe] I wrote [grapho] unto thee [soi], knowing [eido] that [hoti] thou wilt [poieo] also [kai] do [poieo] more than [hos] [huper] I say [lego].
22 But [de] withal [hama] prepare [hetoimazo] me [moi] also [kai] a lodging [xenia]: for [gar] I trust [elpizo] that [hoti] through [dia] your [humon] prayers [proseuche] I shall be given [charizomai] unto you [humin]. KJV-Interlinear
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 And at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. NASB
There is a great deal of difference of opinion as to the dates in Pauls life, but in general, most agree that the date of his arrest in Jerusalem was in the late 50’s A.D., possibly in 57 or 58 A.D. His arrival in Rome was around 60 A.D. and during his stay in Rome, his trial was constantly delayed.
Paul spent his time while awaiting trial, in prison and was later released, for two years, to a private residence, but still under house arrest. Some historians believe that he was allowed to travel during this time, but most don’t accept that theory. More likely Paul remained in Rome for the rest of his days, and was finally executed in 67 or 68 A.D., just prior to the death of Nero, who died within six months of Pauls death.
Pauls last books that he wrote were Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians (not in that order), and were written in the early to mid 60’s A.D. These books are commonly called the Prison Epistles for obvious reasons. On this point there is virtually no disagreement. Most historians believe that the book of Philippians, which is the book of inspiration, was his last book.
Whether Paul had known Philemon in person, is not known. In verse five, Paul speaks of ‘hearing’ of Philemons character and through that hearing, he came to accept and believe in Philemon as a good and generous man.
Simultaneously, while all of this was happening in Pauls, and Onesimus’s, and Philemon’s life, back in Judah, anarchy, rebellion, and all kinds of trouble are brewing. Factions are fighting factions for control of the region and for Jerusalem, and everyone is fighting Rome.
In the late 60’s A.D., Rome is making preparations to send an army into Judah, and shortly after Pauls death, in approximately 68 to 69 A.D., Rome prepared and shipped off its legions to bring Jerusalem and the entire region of Judah, back in line. Many millions died and the Levitical Priesthood formally and finally ended.
Paul and those who were with him almost certainly were aware of the news coming out of Judah.
And yet, Paul remained optimistic. He was in prison and knew that his chances were slim with respect to regaining his freedom. But his focus was on a slave, of whom not many had ever heard of. His focus was on the activities of the scriptures, and the advancements that many were making in other regions.
And his confidence was in the belief that Philemon would not only agree with and grant his request, but do even more than that.
If Paul regained his freedom, he would have most certainly traveled back to Greece, and Philemon would have received him as he would receive any guest.
So without complaint, or even the hint of it, Paul looked forward to better times, if God would so grant it. And if not, then that only means that God had something better in mind for everyone.
My wife reads a great deal, and she recently finished a book called ‘The Shack’ by Wm. Paul Young. This seems to be a very worthwhile book to read. And though it is fiction, it presents a very good view of life, of life’s problems, and how people deal with life and with their relationship with God.
Often times we read or hear about the trauma’s that other people have in life, and we try to be sympathetic, but what if these trauma’s happened to us. How would we deal with them?
Often times we cannot know how we would react until the actual disaster strikes us. Most would believe that they would pass the test with flying colors, but God has a sense of humor and often times, He can draw out the pain of an event, just to see where our breaking point will be.
Paul was optimistic all the way to the executioner. Onesimus was optimistic all the way back to the confrontation with his master. Paul was taken involuntarily. Onesimus went back to face his destiny, voluntarily.
Where would you fit in this picture, if life and the world suddenly turned against you. What if this economic recovery does not take place and the economy continues to spiral downward to 20 and 30 percent unemployment? What if you lose your business, your job, your home? What will you do? Where will you go? How will you eat?
Who will you blame?
If there ever was a time to gain and hold, a relationship with God, it is certainly now. And who knows, God may lead us to the executioner, or to a new life.
