Of all the converts which the Lord gave to the Apostle in his bonds, none of them seem to have so entirely won his heart as the poor runaway slave, Onesimus. His story in the book of Philemon is a beautiful picture of the strength, the humility, and the tenderness of divine love in the heart, which works by the Spirit, and sweetly shines in all the details of individual life!
The Apostle's success in the imperial palace does not weaken his interest in a young disciple from the lowest condition of society. No portion of the community was more depraved than the slaves, and with whom must a fugitive slave have associated in that profligate city? Yet, from these lowest depths, Onesimus is drawn forth by the unseen hand of eternal love. He crosses the path of the Apostle and is converted.
Onesimus devotes himself at once to the Lord and to His service. He finds in Paul a friend and brother, as well as a master and teacher. And now shine forth the virtues and the value of Christianity, and the sweetest applications of the grace of God to a poor, friendless, destitute, fugitive slave.
What is Christianity? Where did it come from, in the view of its being such a new thing in Rome—in the world? Was it at the feet of Gamaliel that Paul so learned to love? No, but at the feet of Jesus.
Think for a moment of the Apostle's labors at this time, of his age, of his infirmities, of his circumstances, to say nothing of the lofty subjects and the immense foundation truths that were then occupying his mind. If we think of this, we may well admire the grace that could enter into every detail of the relationships of master and slave, and that with such delicate consideration of every claim.
The letter he sent with Onesimus to his injured master Philemon is one of the most touching ever written. Looking at it simply as such, we are at a loss whether most to admire the warmth and earnestness of his affections, the delicacy and justness of his thoughts, or the sublime dignity which pervades the whole epistle. Things New and Old
We welcome still Thy faithful word—
"The cross shall meet its sure reward;"
For soon must pass the "little while,”
Then joy shall crown Thy servants' toil:
And we shall hear Thee, Savior, say,
“Arise, my love, and come away;
Look up, for thou shalt weep no more,
But rest on heaven's eternal shore.”