When the Apostle Paul arrived in Rome, it was as a political prisoner.
We read in Acts28:16 that: “Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.”
“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Acts 28:30-31
Perhaps the rented house which Paul lived in during those two years might have been something like this …
Perhaps it might have been down a street like this …
“Boldly he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Acts 28:31
Paul was courageous!
“… he welcomed all who came to see him.” – Acts 28:30
Among those who came to see Paul was a young man named Onesimus. What was it that influenced Onesimus to visit Paul? Would you go to visit someone under house arrest, chained and guarded by military soldiers? Had Onesimus heard from friends about Paul?
Whatever it was that made Onesimus decide to visit, while he was there Paul boldly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with him. Onesimus repented of his sin and placed his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
It seems that Onesimus must have visited Paul often in his home. Evidently Paul was discipling Onesimus in the faith.
Paul describes Onesimus as a son. “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” – Philemon 1:10
“I am sending him [Onesimus] – who is my very heart.” – Philemon 1:12
Obviously, there was a close bond of friendship between Paul and Onesimus. Paul probably did not have many friends while he was confined to home under house arrest. Onesimus was obviously a great help and encouragement to Paul. “… now he [Onesimus] has become useful both to you and to me.” – Philemon 1:11
“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.” – Philemon 1:13
“He [Onesimus] is very dear to me.” – Philemon 1:16
The thing is, Onesimus was a runaway slave. Onesimus had come from the city of Colossae.
Here you can see approximately where the ancient city of Colossae used to be. Notice just how far away the city of Colossae is from Rome!
Onesimus had run far far away … where he could “disappear” into the crowded big city of Rome, blending in with all the thousands of other slaves going about daily life. Nobody would know he was a runaway. Here in Rome, Onesimus could hide and never be found again. Never have to go back to being a slave again.
But … Onesimus met Paul.
Perhaps in a house just like this …
Down a street just like this …
And the truth came out that Onesimus was a slave, who had run away.
It took great courage for the Apostle Paul to send Onesimus back to his master, Philemon. Onesimus was obviously a very dear friend of Paul. Onesimus was like a son to Paul. Onesimus was a great comfort and help to Paul.
It took great courage for Paul to let go … and send Onesimus back to Colossae. It was the right thing to do. But that didn’t mean it was easy. Paul was losing a lot. This took courage!
Not only that … it took great courage on Onesimus’s part to actually obey Paul and willingly return to Colossae. It took great courage for Onesimus to submit to the life of slavery once again.
Great courage is not just simply blind faith, trusting that everything will work out. Courage goes hand-in-hand with wisdom. Paul did not simply ask Onesimus to go all the way back to Colossae by himself. Paul sent Onesimus with Tychicus, who was also a dear friend of Paul. No doubt Tychicus and Onesimus were close friends before they made the long journey together. Courage is strengthened by the company of friends!
“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.” – Colossians 4:7-9
Paul, confined to home under house arrest, was very courageous!
Paul preached Jesus Christ boldly! … welcoming people into his home and graciously offering hospitality to all who came to see him.
Paul courageously sent his dear friend and “son” Onesimus back to Colossae. Even though he was losing a lot in the process.
Paul courageously had hope that Philemon, Onesimus’s master, would forgive Onesimus. “Welcome him [Onesimus] as you would welcome me.” – Philemon 1:17
Paul courageously offered to pay any debt which Onesimus had caused Philemon. “If he [Onesimus] 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.” – Philemon 1:19
It takes great courage to offer to pay someone else’s debt in full.
Paul courageously had hope in God’s power to free him. “And one more thing: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” – Philemon 1:22
Courage recognizes God’s power to answer prayer … while at the same time humbly accepting and submitting to God’s will.
Great courage goes hand-in-hand with humility!
