The letter to Philemon (Part 9)

One of the most popular themes that run through the Bible,  especially in the New Testament is Grace. The knowledge that we have been given something or a favour we do not deserve is the understanding we have when talking about Grace. In simple terms, Grace is usually defined as unmerited favour. It is the favour we receive not because we deserved it, but because we didn’t even merit it. In ‭John 1:17, we are told that just as the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Thus, Jesus is the culmination of Grace. He came so that we could receive the favour we didn’t deserve. Understanding this should always bring us a sense of awe and love for God. As we wrap up our discussion of the letter to Philemon, let’s consider the theme of Grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.‭ (Philemon 1:25)

First, we need to understand that all the people in the story have received Grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul himself was persecuting the church and encountered Jesus Christ. Grace, the unmerited favour of God located Paul (who was then known as Saul). Philemon was a Gentile who came to faith through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Onesimus was a runaway slave who deserved punishment for his actions but when he encountered Paul in Rome, Onesimus accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and all his sins, which were many, were all forgiven. In addition, the apostle Paul also sent a plea to Philemon, Onesimus’ master to forgive Onesimus and accept him back. Thus, we see different dimensions of Grace at work in the lives of the people in this letter. Paul concluded his letter with the following words: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (Philemon 1:25). Paul, a man who has experienced the different dimensions of God’s Grace understood that it is not enough to have a carnal understanding of Grace. Paul knew that since we communicate with God through our spirit, it is important for the recipient to have a spiritual understanding of Grace.

We have been shown so much Grace and we cannot ignore the fact that Grace has brought us this far. We should therefore not consider ourselves to have arrived because of our own strength and understanding. We are a product of Grace. Our salvation is a product of grace, even the gifts we operate in are products of grace, our sanctification is a product of Grace, we are strengthened daily by grace and we are able to serve one another by grace. No wonder sharing the grace is very relevant in our worship. We have received that we didn’t deserve, we should show people that they can be recipients of the same Grace when they come to Christ. However, we should have in mind that Grace is not a license for lawlessness. If we set the Grace of God aside to misbehave, we shall receive the wrath of God. Like Onesimus, we should be worthy ambassadors of the grace we have received. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit now and forevermore. Amen!

The letter to Philemon (Part 8)

The letter from Paul to Philemon reveals a deep truth about the great change that takes place when one encounters Jesus. The runaway slave was totally transformed from a wanderer to a follower of Jesus. This is not specific to Onesimus. The work of Jesus Christ in our lives sparks a circle of transformation. The sinner who comes to faith is renewed and transformed as a new person. All the bad things of their past are totally wiped away. Paul’s appeal to Philemon was obviously heeded to and the result would have been a changed Onesimus activity involved in the things of God. Paul, a man of faith also spoke about his own restoration in the letter. Remember, Paul’s goal had been to restore Onesimus back to Philemon. However, Paul himself was in chains. He was a prisoner in Rome.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. (‭Philemon 1:22)

In Philemon 1:22, Paul writes this: “And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” The churches had been praying for the release of Paul and Paul was hopeful that this prayer would be answered. Different Bible scholars believe that Paul was released in Rome and rearrested in around AD 66. He was martyred during his final arrest which was credited to Emperor Nero. Paul’s ministry impacted several lives including that of Philemon and Onesimus. If Paul had the opportunity to visit Colossae again before his death, he would have celebrated the brotherly love between Philemon and Onesimus. The church would have shown gratitude to Paul for restoring to them Onesimus. Other people mentioned in Paul’s letter include Epaphras (a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus), Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke (‭Philemon 1:23-24). Earlier in Paul’s ministry, Mark had abandoned him and Barnabas (Acts 16:36-41) and this even brought a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas. Seeing Mark again with Paul indicates that an attempt was made to restore the relationship.

While Paul enjoyed the company of his fellow workers while he was in Prison, Paul would later write about Demas deserting him because of his love for the world (2 Timothy 4:10). Our walk with the Lord is a journey with different highs and lows. We need to understand that irrespective of how right we live, there will always be others whose actions are likely to cause us pain. Like Paul, we should rather be agents of transformation and restoration. Our desire should be to see the restoration of those who have fallen along the way. We should be ambassadors of Christ who will hold the hands of the lost sheep and restore them to the body of Christ. If you don’t know what to do, just pray!

The letter to Philemon (Part 7)

Have you ever had the opportunity to be discipled by someone else? Have you also tried to disciple others before? Discipling another believer takes time and dedication. However, if both the discipler and the disciple are committed, the end result is a believer equipped with the right tools to stand. Jesus, our role model, used the method of discipleship to train twelve ordinary people. Now, Christianity has become a global movement because of this concentrated effort to train the disciples. One of the qualities of a good disciple is obedience to the teacher. This is very important to ensure maximum growth. Paul and Philemon must have gone through different stages of discipleship. Philemon, after being equipped, went ahead to even host the church services in his house. Although the discipler and disciple relationship is not like servant-master relationship, disciples still demonstrate respect and obedience for their teachers. Paul’s appeal to Philemon reveals a request that was subtly backed by Paul’s own authority over Philemon.

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. (‭Philemon 1:20-21)

After Paul had submitted his appeal to Philemon and given different reasons Onesimus should be accepted back, Paul also hints on his ministerial authority over Philemon. Paul wrote that, “I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” (‭Philemon 1:20-21). In this short letter,  Paul also indicated that he wished to have some benefit from Philemon. What benefit was Paul asking for? Paul as an apostle asked Philemon to refresh Paul’s heart by obeying the request to pardon Onesimus and have him back. Thus, Paul encouraged Philemon to consider obeying the appeal as a way of showing his support and obedience to Paul. Definitely, Philemon would have honoured Paul by obeying the request to forgive Onesimus and to restore him back.

In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel the prophet expected Saul to obey his words by waiting for Samuel’s arrival Before the sacrifices were made. Unfortunately, out of fear, Saul disobeyed Samuel and offered the sacrifices on behalf of Samuel. What was Samuel’s response to a disobedient king? Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” This action of Saul denied him and his family the opportunity to have an established kingdom. Both Onesimus and Philemon understood the consequences of disobedience. Onesimus almost lost his place in Philemon’s house because he failed to submit under the authority of Philemon. He fled to Rome where he encountered Paul. Many times, people disobey because of the desire to please themselves and to follow popular trends. We are made in the image and likeness of God and as such we should not find it hard to obey authority. The father of disobedience still remains Lucifer. Don’t be his adopted child. God delights in our obedience than in our sacrifices!

The letter to Philemon (Part 6)

Have you ever had to pay back to someone something that was lost or stolen in your care? Have you ever been the cause of someone else’s loss that you have to pay the person money for the loss? These two scenarios are known as restitution. It is important that whenever we cause someone to lose something, we make amends through restitution. Unless the person who has lost something through our carelessness declares that we should not bother paying back, we should always offer to restore what has been lost. Restitution is scriptural and godly. It restores relationships and builds trust. As we continue our discussion on Philemon, we shall consider how the apostle Paul sought to not only restore Onesimus back to Philemon but also to pay for the charges accrued because of Onesimus’ departure.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. ‭(Philemon 1:17-19)

Apostle Paul made an appeal for the return of Onesimus and he also identified that Onesimus might have wrongfully owed Philemon because of his actions. Paul writes, “so if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.” ‭(Philemon 1:17-19). How was Paul the man in chains going to pay back Philemon for what was owed by Onesimus? This sounds unreasonable but Paul understood that the best way to fully mitigate the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus was to restore Onesimus and also to make restitution for any damages. Philemon, possibly a disciple of Paul himself, owed Paul his very life. The transformation of Philemon was possibly the hard work of Paul. Paul might have also spearheaded the growth of the church that meets in the house of Philemon. Thus, Paul was not just a friend to Philemon but a spiritual father and a mentor. In other words, Paul’s plea was to a protégé, a man he Paul has groomed. Thus, in human nature, it was highly unlikely that Philemon would have charged Paul with the losses he incurred as a result of Onesimus’ actions.

The relationship between Philemon and Paul was quite a unique kind of relationship. It was the kind of relationship that made it possible for Paul to make restoration and restitution even while he was in prison. However, we, unlike Paul and Philemon must make conscious effort to restore and make restitution when we are at fault. Never undermine the person you have wronged. Even if they do not show anger and resentment towards you for your actions, it is not an opportunity to take their kindness as their weakness. It is important to know that human relationships thrive on human nature and attitude. Whenever we make amends for wrongdoings, we make room for friendship to continue. However, when we fail to consider those we have wronged and look for opportunities to fix our wrongs,we continue the circle of guilt, shame and pain. Paul in this short letter teaches us that forgiving one another of our sins must be spearheaded by restoration and restitution. Who is on your list for restoration and restitution? Never take people for granted.

The letter to Philemon (Part 5)

“No longer slaves”, a song by Bethel Music, is one of my favourites Christian songs. A slave does not have access to what the children and the siblings of the master have access to. Unless the master specifically assigns a portion of his estate to the slave, the slave has no place in the Master’s house. Imagine being a slave to our own fears. Nothing will ever change in our circumstances. In ‭John 8:35 Jesus states that “a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” Thanks be to God, the death and resurrection of Jesus changed our statuses. ‭Galatians 4:7 confirms this change in status: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” As heirs, we share the inheritance in Christ with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.‭ (Philemon 1:15-16)

Onesimus, as we have discussed in a previous post, was a runaway slave of Philemon. We are not given the contextual event that led to Onesimus’ escape from his master. However, from the letter we read from Paul to Philemon, it is obvious that Onesimus was at fault in all dimensions. No wonder Paul deemed it fit to have Onesimus return to Philemon rather than to have Onesimus stay with him in Rome. Paul mentioned that perhaps the reason Onesimus was separated from Philemon for a little while was that Philemon might have Onesimus back forever (‭Philemon 1:15). This time around with a different status other than a slave: “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.” (‭Philemon 1:16). Both Paul and Philemon understood that believers are children of God and as children heirs in the Kingdom of God.  Thus, although Onesimus was returning as a worker of Philemon, the relationship between the two would be that of brothers in Christ as compared to a slave and master relationship.

In Christ, our statuses have changed. We have become recipients of God’s adoption into sonship. According to Galatians 4:8 “formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” In Christ, we have become new members of the family of God. Like Onesimus, our sins are pardoned and we are no longer slaves but brothers and sisters in Christ. Understanding our current situation in Christ is a reminder for us to live right and eschew evil. Our positional advantage in Christ has also ushered us as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10). It is only mercy that can make a former slave a royal member of the family, and an heir to the king. Don’t belittle yourself. You are God’s special possession.

The letter to Philemon (Part 4)

Onesimus, the slave of Philemon, was the center of Paul’s appeal to Philemon. After running away from Philemon and going to Rome, Onesimus encountered Jesus through the apostle Paul. The runaway slave became a changed person whose transformation was quite visible. Instead of keeping Onesimus with him in Rome, Paul decided that the right thing to do was to restore Onesimus back to Philemon. Paul’s letter to Philemon was therefore an attempt to restore the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, and also to explain to Philemon how Onesimus has been transformed and is now useful in the kingdom and in assisting Philemon. One of the formidable leaders of the church in Colossae was Philemon and he even hosted a cell group in his house. Paul, being aware of all this background information crafted his letter to be able to convey the message of restoration and forgiveness.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. ‭(Philemon 1:12-14)

After the conversion of Onesimus, he became a help to Paul, assisting him with his basic needs. Remember Paul himself was a prisoner for the gospel and he needed all the help possible to be able to get his needs met. Yet, Paul released Onesimus to return to Philemon rather than keeping Onesimus to attend to Paul’s own needs. In his letter, Paul wrote that. “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.”‭(Philemon 1:12-14). In releasing Onesimus and sending him back to Philemon,  Paul demonstrated godly principles in restoration. He knew that the only way to reconcile the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus was to have Onesimus return to his former role. Onesimus, while in Rome, became a special person to Paul. He was so helpful that Paul referred to him as the one “who is my very heart”. Paul mentioned the fact that although he would have loved to keep Onesimus so that he could receive all the help from Onesimus, Paul was also careful not to do anything without the consent of Philemon.

Restoration, the act of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition was clearly demonstrated by Paul. He does not only plead for Onesimus, he makes the effort to return Onesimus back to Philemon. Many people preach restoration but do not practice it in reality. When we genuinely encounter Jesus, like Zaccheaus (Luke 19: 1-10), we should be willing to give back to others what we have wrongfully taken from them. If you owe a brother or a sister, true repentance and restoration is to pay back what you owe. Unless they genuinely cancel all your debts, never take their kindness to be their weakness. This week, ponder over these things and consider those little things you have to restore. Don’t miss the opportunity to make peace. If you are Philemon, when those who have treated you wrongfully genuinely want restoration, don’t drive them away. Even if they cannot take their former position, make peace with them and liberate yourself from the pain they have caused you.

The letter to Philemon (Part 3)

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Paul reveals that his prayer for Philemon is that the partnership with the saints in the faith may be effective in deepening Philemon’s understanding of every good thing they share for the sake of Christ (Philemon 1:6). Thus, although Paul recommends Philemon in the introductory part of his letter, Paul also reveals that there is more room for Philemon to grow in his knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, Philemon’s love for the church  gives Paul great joy and encouragement, because Philemon refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people (Philemon 1:7). One will say that Philemon was that brother who had a contagious love for the people of God. He would have sacrificed a lot to ensure the growth of the church. It was after Paul’s words of praise and encouragement that delve into the main focus of his letter: an appeal for Onesimus.

that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (‭Philemon 1:10-11)

Onesimus was the slave of Philemon. However, Onesimus ran away which was against the rules binding him to his master. It is also possible to postulate that in his flight, Onesimus might have taken some things that belong to Philemon. Remember,  as a slave, Onesimus didn’t have what it takes to make the long journey from Colossae to Rome. So, Onesimus the runaway slave met Paul in Rome. One way or another, Onesimus converted to become a believer in Rome. Paul, a man of peace, might have spoken with Onesimus and after knowing the background of Onesimus, Paul decided to restore Onesimus to his master. Paul, being aware of the consequences of dealing with a runaway slave, began his appeal on the basis of love. In Philemon 1:8-9, the apostle Paul wrote that, “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul didn’t use spiritual and mentoring authority over Philemon to force him to accept Onesimus. Rather, Paul made an appeal: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” (‭Philemon 1:10-11).

Was Onesimus useless to Philemon? Paul’s appeal revealed that as a runaway slave, Onesimus was of no use to Philemon. Surprisingly, the Greek definition for Onesimus is “useful”. Yet, when Onesimus left his master, there was no use for him. However, when Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome, the reverse happened. He became useful not just as a helper to Paul but also as a brother in Christ. Paul’s appeal was for Philemon to first accept Onesimus as a useful person and also as a changed person. Onesimus, remorseful of his attitude towards his master, was ready to return to Colossae as a slave of Philemon. It was now the turn of Philemon to accept his slave back to his home. There are many types of ‘Onesimuses’ in our world. men and women who succeed in hurting the people God sent to help them rise. Instead of being helpful to their helpers, ‘Onesimuses’ become useless time wasters who waste all the investments done in their lives. Whether you fall in the place of Philemon or Onesimus, remember that second chances are not always promised. However, when God allows you the opportunity to start over again, let your transformation impact the world.

The letter to Philemon (Part 2)

Some of the distinctive features that should be synonymous to all believers is love for God’s people, faith in the Lord Jesus, intercession for one another among many others. Believers have the perfect model when it comes to loving one another. We have freely received the love of God. Our transgressions, which were many, were all forgiven because of God’s love. Therefore, being agents of love, should be something the church encourages all believers to aspire for.  Further, you cannot claim to love the Lord Jesus if you do not have faith in Him. Thus, being a believer implies that you have placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith is visible in your way of life and extends to the people who are in your life. To add to these, because of the love we have for one another and our faith in God, it should be easy for us to pray for one another.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. ‭(Philemon 1:4-5)

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he mentioned that he always thanked  God as he remembered Philemon in his prayers. Paul does this because he heard about Philemon’s love for all God’s holy people and his faith in the Lord Jesus (Philemon 1:4-5).  Philemon seemed to be the kind of believer who was worthy to learn from. He loved the church and the people in the church. His faith in the Lord Jesus would have been so obvious as he even opened his house to host the church services. He is more likely to have contributed to both the  spiritual and logistical development of the church. His family would have been an active part of the church. Yet, in all his godliness and goodness, his slave decided to run away from him. As the letter does not indicate the time frame at which Onesimus, the slave of Philemon took off, we cannot postulate that Onesimus encountered Jesus in the house of Philemon. The departure of Onesimus might have caused Philemon pain. In those days, slaves were owned by their masters as possessions. They could only leave under certain conditions. Yet, Onesimus left without a trace.

Being a godly and kind person doesn’t mean you are free from being hurt by the people around you. There is a possibility that  those you love and care for, including family members,  friends,  employees and neighbours could hurt you when you least expect it. However, we also need to understand we do many of the things we do because we are compelled by the love of Christ. You can be a modern day Philemon who has sacrificed so much but receives no reward. Do not lose heart. God is still working for your good.

The letter to Philemon

The apostle Paul (also known as Saul) wrote the greater part of the New Testament Bible. His Letters were addressed to churches, communities, individuals, among many others. One individual recipient of Paul’s letter is a man named Philemon. This letter was an appeal letter written to ask Philemon to consider forgiving his runaway slave. Paul wrote this letter out of love for the Master and the slave, who were both believers. In this short introduction, we shall  consider a few lessons from this letter and how we can apply these lessons in managing conflicts within and outside the church.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker (‭Philemon 1:1)

Who was Philemon? He was a wealthy Colossian who was also a believer. Philemon also hosted the church in his home and that accounts for why Paul’s letter addressed the church that meets in Philemon’s home (Philemon 1:2). Philemon seemed to have worked together with a woman named Apphia and another man called Archippus (Philemon1:2). Thus, working as a team wasn’t new to Philemon. In his letter, Paul addressed Philemon as “our dear friend and fellow worker” (‭Philemon 1:1). Paul on the other hand was still serving a prison term in Rome as at the time he wrote this letter. The apostle Paul, who was in chains for the gospel, didn’t relent in interceding for another person who had become a family in Rome.

In this short letter from Paul, we are reminded of the need to make room for each other and how to restore relationships within the church. It is obvious that Paul’s appeal was accepted by Philemon. In subsequent posts, we shall consider the details of the appeal and Paul’s advice to Philemon. We need to understand that irrespective of our spiritual maturity, there would always be the need to resolve issues within the church. Be always willing and ready to be an agent of peace.

Apphia of Colossae

The short letter to Philemon was necessitated because Paul needed to restore the runaway slave, Onesimus, back to his master, Philemon. As an active member of the churches in Colossae, and with a church in his home, Philemon was also the recipient of the communal letter to the churches in Colossae. However, it was necessary for Paul to have a special letter sent to Philemon alone. Onesimus, whose name meant “useful” in Greek had not lived his name but became a “useless” runaway servant who probably stole his master’s properties in his flight. Even Paul acknowledged that formerly Onesimus was useless to Philemon, but now he has become useful both to Philemon and to Paul (Philemon 1:11). Onesimus met Paul in Rome and converted to Christianity. He demonstrated genuine repentance and Paul saw it necessary to restore him back to his master “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:16). In this short letter, Paul mentions the name of a woman known as Apphia. Who was Apphia and why was her name important in this letter of restoration?

also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home (Philemon 1:2)

Apphia was a member of the churches in Colossae. This is how Paul begins his letter:
“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home” (Philemon 1:1‭-‬2).
Thus, although Philemon was the main recipient of the letter, Apphia, Archippus and the church that meets in the home of Philemon were all addressed. Onesimus’ unruly behaviour would have been an open sin known by the members of the church that meets in Philemon’s home. Apphia would have been an outstanding church leader who was very much involved in ministry work. Paul refers to her as “our sister” indicating the church family relationship. Archippus on the other hand was referred to as a fellow soldier. In the general letter to the Colossians Paul had written, “Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”” (Colossians 4:17). It was necessary for Apphia and Archippus to be mentioned in this letter because the apostle sought their support in pleading for Onesimus. These two leaders in the church were people Philemon probably looked onto and respected.

By addressing them in the letter, Paul indirectly expected Philemon to share the content of the letter with them. Although we are not privy to know the outcome of this plea, I believe that the letter survived because Paul’s plea yielded results. Apphia and Archippus would have been instrumental in this restoration process. We could also compare Apphia with Phoebe of the church in Cenchreae. Just as Paul trusted Phoebe to deliver the all-important letter to the Romans, Paul trusted Apphia to help restore Onesimus to Philemon. Apphia in Colossae played an instrumental role in the churches in Colossae. She was outstanding among many other women that Paul needed her attention in restoring Onesimus back to Philemon. Apphia’s responsibilities in the churches in Colossae might have included mentorship and discipleship. Thus, she was recognized for her dedication to ensuring the spiritual growth of the members. As a leader, Apphia and Archippus might have worked closely with Philemon. As someone mentioned in this letter, Apphia would have gone ahead to plead or even advocate for Onesimus as a repentant brother.

The church of God has many women who wear the coats of Apphia. These are God-fearing, dedicated and committed women who delight in the growth of the church. They do not shame the sinner but do all that they can to ensure that the repentant sinner is received with love by all members of the church. “Apphias” are not afraid to put their reputation away just to restore one wandering church member. Truly, these are mothers and sisters you can count on to leave the ninety-nine sheep at a secure place and chase after the one lost sheep. Are you an Apphia or a wandering Onesimus?