Philemon 1:16

Not now. Or, “no longer.”

But above a servant. Paul is suggesting that Philemon should accept Onesimus as a Christian brother whose life, like his, is committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. For above the service of a pagan slave Onesimus would render to Philemon devotion such as Paul himself received.

Brother beloved. The love that Paul developed toward Onesimus in a short period suggests the rich fellowship awaiting Philemon, who will associate with Onesimus for a much longer time. Onesimus left as a renegade slave; he returns as a “profitable” (v. 11) Christian brother, an exhibit of the grace of God. To Paul, the experience of Onesimus illustrates the power of God as He brings good out of evil. Though hindered by the faults and failures of men the Lord can yet accomplish His blessed purposes with those who acknowledge Him.

The indolence and cowardice of Onesimus, which had brought him to Rome, also brought him to Paul and consequently to Jesus Christ. Now he returns to Philemon a transformed man. The temporary separation has resulted in an eternal bond of fellowship. It will not be difficult for Philemon to trace the hand of God in the experiences of his former slave. Consequently, Philemon should count it a personal privilege to cooperate with the will of God for Onesimus.

In the flesh. That is, as a conscientious servant who would amply repay Philemon’s confidence in him. Before Onesimus’ departure from Rome, Paul enjoyed the blessing of his ministry “in the flesh”; henceforth Philemon alone would be thus benefited.

In the Lord. Regardless of Onesimus’ former relationship to Philemon he should now be regarded as a beloved Christian brother and as tally a candidate for heaven as was Philemon himself. Thus, the joy of the Christian hope would be a mutual possession.