Epistle to Philemon Continued

Lectionary Readings

Philemon (II Corinthians 5:11-21)
Psalm 51:1-17
Luke 15:1-10

Tithe Poem

A Letter From Philemon to Paul | Philemon & II Corinthians 5:11-21

Philemon, a brother, a partner in Christ,
and Onesimus, our fellow brother of grace,
To Paul, our beloved spiritual father in faith,
and Timothy, also your true child in the Word—
God’s light and God’s peace be with you.

I must start with my shame you’ve already dismissed;
long harbor I kept on my bitter hurt
toward your son, my brother, Onesimus.
Even now my lips struggle to call him as such,
as a brother and partner. The ways of this world
hide deep in my heart. I am challenged
and humbled by your justice and grace.
Therefore, be refreshed and encouraged—
your confidence in my obedience
is well placed, if only because
of the Spirit’s unceasing ministry,
rooting out my self-same ways of discord.
Onesimus, though once my slave,
indeed is now my friend. The Spirit
we all three possess drives deeper still
than the shadow of the darkness of this age.
He works in me a heart of flesh,
Thanks be to Christ, our righteousness.