A Nice Little Story

A runaway slave…
A hapless master…
A caring brother…
A loving God…
Follow the adventures of Philemon, Onesimus, and Paul as they seek to make good what was lost, and embrace what is ahead.
Read Paul’s letter to Philemon.
Bible Passage: Philemon
If ever there were to be a single-episode drama written based on an entire book of the Bible, Paul’s epistle to Philemon would qualify as one of the likeliest stories to make the cut. Joseph and Jacob have their own epic soap opera, while Peter and John have their own voyage adventures, Philemon and Onesimus would make for a good heart-warming story.
Act 1 Scene 1
Philemon discovers that his household slave has gone missing. He paces up and down his courtyard wondering what caused the turn of events.
Philemon:
“What is this unease that fills my heart? Where are you, my slave, where are you, oh unlucky Onesimus?”
Did I treat you unfairly or make your life unpleasant? Such that you have taken flight from my presence.
Oh Onesimus, Onesimus…”
Servant #1:
“Sir, if I may add, you did no wrong. Onesimus had always been one with a wanderer’s heart.
Take heart, and be well, sir.”
Act 2 Scene 1
Either in Rome or Ephesus. Onesimus has just heard the good news from Paul.
Onesimus:
“This saving news of Christ. Wow. I stand amazed. Even I am allowed to be made new again.
I mean… I am a slave.
And a runaway one at that…
Why should I even have this chance to turn back?”
Paul:
“Yes, dear friend, this is precisely why God’s grace reaches even to the sinner.
You’ve heard my testimony already, and you know what manner of crimes and sins I did commit.
When you do accept God’s grace, and be baptised for your sins to be washed away….
…then you and I, we’ll both be brothers”
Onesimus:
“This is all too wonderful. I was meant to be recaptured and stoned.
I don’t deserve to live on…
But this God, I do believe in Him, and He compels me to give myself to Him.
…I want to be baptised.”
Act 2 Scene 2
After Onesimus’ baptism and full conversion to Christianity. Back at the residence of Paul.
Onesimus:
“Dear Brother, thank God for this grace.
It’s just… Amazing. Beyond my wildest comprehensions!
Paul:
“Now you know and feel for yourself.
I experienced it too, and yes, what amazing grace!”
Onesimus:
“Aye Aye! Beyond the grandest sounds of all the world even…”
Act 2 Scene 3
Onesimus talks to Paul about the possibility of his return. He describes his fear at the prospect of death at his master’s hand. Paul comforts him, and encourages him that Christians should not harbour ill intents towards each other.
Onesimus:
“But if I return, Master Philemon might not spare my life.
And I still wish to serve my God that saved me…”
Paul:
“Surely, our God is merciful and understands your thoughts towards Him!
Not to worry, dear friend. I will write to my dear old friend Philemon and persuade him as a Christian to act as a fellow Christian.”
Act 3 Scene 1
Paul has written the epistle to Philemon, pleading the cause of Onesimus on his behalf. Paul asks Philemon to charge whatever wrong or monetary loss committed by Onesimus to his own account. More importantly, he entreats Philemon to be reminded of the Christian love that bonds the 3 of them henceforth.
Paul:
“There, this is done. May our God move the heart of Philemon.
And you, Onesimus… You are to return to your master.
Admittedly, I would wish for you to stay.
You are a good worker.
But, no… You should go back to your rightful master, OK?”
Onesimus:
“Yes, brother, I guess you are right.
I must return and make amends for my error.
And prove the blood of Christ worthy upon me.”
Act 4 Scene 1
Onesimus has delivered the letter to Philemon. Philemon reads it, is pleased to know he has gained a brother-in-Christ. They embrace. They give glory to Christ.
The letter is stored away safely, and in the future, Philemon would read it to his descendants, and others, and others, and others…
Christians in the True Church:
“Such was the grace of God upon Onesimus.
We were once slaves to sin too.
We escaped, were redeemed and were saved into Him.
No longer should we be in bondage to the world.
We now return to serve our Master, working as His fellow workers, to testify of the same grace He gave us.
All Glory to Him. Hallelujah!”