A marriage changes relationships. When a man and woman join in marriage, they form a new family. Relationships may change, as their loyalty shifts from their birth family to their new family. But an even deeper family change happens when we are born again. Salvation puts us into a new family, the family of God, and that means relationships change deeply.

Onesimus was a young man who ran away from slavery. As a fugitive, his prospects were limited. But he encountered Paul who led him to Christ. As a result, Onesimus was placed into a new family by the Holy Spirit. What did this change of family mean? It meant new relationships with everyone, including his legal owner.

Notice that Paul does not ignore the reality that there were customary obligations to be acknowledged. He could not just take Onesimus for his own purposes; he needed Philemon’s consent (v. 14). However, notice also that Philemon must be reminded that a fundamental change in relationship has taken place (v. 16). Onesimus simply could not be considered a slave anymore, he was a brother!

United in Christ, Philemon and Onesimus were brothers. They would spend eternity together. They would share the joys of heaven together. While he was being diplomatic, Paul also acknowledged that this new reality had consequences. Philemon would suffer a loss in some way; he would lose a slave. On the other hand, he would gain a dear brother because of Christ.

Surely some must have heard about this and reminded Philemon of his rights or of the law. They might have been quick to emphasize the cost he would suffer and ask about his plan to recoup this loss. Paul focused on none of that. He reminded his readers about this change in family status that changed everything. Onesimus is your brother!

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