The Apostle Paul was in his late fifties when he wrote his letters during house arrest in Rome. Physically, he felt like an old man, but his mind and heart were still lively and engaged. Visitors from Asia, Macedonia and Greece came to see him in Rome and he eagerly listened to news of the churches. Then he prayed with all his heart and wrote letters – even to people he hadn’t met, writing as if he had known them for years.

Paul was never bored in his imprisonment. He thought about people and enjoyed the Lord’s presence in prayer. His mind was always traveling the world, following the progress of the gospel.

The Letter to Philemon

Paul wrote his shortest letter to a man named Philemon. It’s not clear whether Paul had met Philemon personally, but Epaphras or one of the other leaders had recently told Paul all about him. A house church met in Philemon’s home in Colossae and his wife Apphia ministered alongside him. Paul also heard about Archippus, a soldier who may have been their son. He greeted this family as if he knew them personally.

Apparently Philemon was a wealthy man who was generous toward other believers and Paul appreciated that. Paul loved and felt connected to the people of God even while he was in chains in Rome and he was glad when he heard that someone blessed them.

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 1:7

Onesimus

Paul wrote to Philemon because a runaway slave named Onesimus came to Rome and found his way to Paul. Paul introduced Onesimus to Christ and he became like a brother to Paul, but when Paul heard his story, he knew had to reach out to Philemon.

Most scholars believe that Philemon was Onesimus’ slave master and that Paul wanted him to set Onesimus free now that he was a fellow believer in Christ.

“I am sending him – who is my 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 favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.” Philemon 1:12-14

Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus home as a brother, not a slave, and if Onesimus owed Philemon anything, Paul would cover it. However, as brothers in Christ, what did anyone really owe anyone else? Once offenses were forgiven, no debts remained.

Philemon had gained eternal life through Paul’s ministry, either because Paul personally led him to Christ, or because Paul was the first to bring the gospel to Asia Minor where Philemon lived. Philemon could never repay that debt of gratitude so Paul hoped he would have a generous heart toward Onesimus.

“Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” Philemon 1:21

Paul seemed to be sure that he would get out of prison, too:

“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

Paul and the Philippians

Paul’s relationship with the church at Philippi went back to his second missionary journey, when he ranged across Asia Minor and into Macedonia and Greece for the first time. He was traveling with Silas when they met Lydia beside the river in Philippi and she became the first Christ follower in Europe. The Philippian church was formed in Lydia’s home.

Later Paul and Silas were arrested, flogged and put in jail in Philippi. That night God sent an earthquake that broke open the prison and frightened the jailor. Paul witnessed to him and the jailor and his whole family were saved. The next day the magistrates released Paul and Silas.

“After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the believers and encouraged them. Then they left.” Acts 16:40

Paul visited Philippi again on his third missionary journey and they were already a well-established church. By the time Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, the church was about ten years old and Paul’s heart was overwhelmed with love for them. They had been with him since the beginning.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ.” Philippians 1:3-8

Love, Knowledge, and Depth of Insight

Like a good spiritual parent, Paul prayed that the Philippians would develop a robust, independent walk with the Lord. He had confidence that even when he couldn’t be with them the Lord would help them grow.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

If Paul were alive and knew us today, he would pray these things for us, too, because Paul loved all of God’s people deeply.

The Gospel Advances

Although Paul was a prisoner for the sake of the gospel, it was obvious that he was no criminal. The Roman guards were curious about him and wanted to hear his message. When other believers saw Paul preaching and winning souls while in chains, they were encouraged to witness for the Lord, too.

“It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:13-14

Not everyone had good motives for preaching the gospel, but Paul didn’t worry about that.

“What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18

Paul Lived for Christ

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21

Paul’s physical body served one purpose: It gave him the way to live in the world and preach the gospel. He had been starved, beaten, flogged, stoned and nearly drowned, but as long as he could get up and move, he went on proclaiming Christ.

“If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” Philippians 1:22-25

Everyone who followed Jesus was going to suffer, but Paul didn’t want anyone to be afraid of that. He pointed out that his suffering actually served to further the gospel. Temporary suffering couldn’t be compared to the immense value of seeing people saved for eternity.

Live Like Jesus

Paul must have had some deep experiences with Christ while he was under house arrest because he wrote some wonderful things about him. In the letter to the church at Philippi he lifted Jesus up as the ultimate example of how to relate to other people.

Probably the biggest obstacle to good relationships is a person’s pride: We feel we deserve more credit and reward than we get from our friends and family. But Jesus, who was God – Creator and Sustainer of all life – made his self-interests nothing in order to serve other people’s needs. He lived as a servant to God and man and was obedient even to death.

Paul let people in on a great spiritual secret: The more we focus on Jesus, the more we become like him.

“Set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God . . . When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” Colossians 3:1

And the apostle John agreed:

“Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

Paul and John lived like Christ because they constantly focused on him. Thanks to the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can make Jesus our focus, too.