Paul's Partners

 

Philemon 17-18

When I began to have a desire to write and that was not that long ago, my childhood friend Tom Martin, who I know as Tommy, gave me this advice; look up the word you are using to make sure you understand it’s meaning.  You have heard me say words mean things, and their meaning should be the same for one and all, if we hope to communicate.

Paul refers to Philemon as a partner, now I’m sure we all understand the meaning of that word, it is the agreement of two people to enter into a venture.  Often I think of a business relationship, or a couple in a relationship, but I had no knowledge that it also refers to one of the timbers on a ship underneath the deck that is used to support the mast.

Paul is using the word as in a relationship; he is asking Philemon if he considers him as a partner.  I found it of interest that Paul also calls Titus his partner in 2 Corinthians 8:23, “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.”  Partners should have the same desires and goals so what does Paul consider a partner?  If we go back to 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.  For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.”  Paul is telling us that he sees the same heart in Philemon as he did in Titus, that both of these men have put others before themselves.

Do you have a Paul in your life, someone who has the same passion as you, to see the kingdom of our God grow and flourish, and to refresh the hearts of fellow believers.  That is what Paul has seen in Philemon, a man with a deep faith and a love for Christians.  Paul is also praying that Philemon will have a passion to share his faith with all he comes in contact with.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice