Focusing on verse six of Paul's letter to Philemon, we grasp the
idea that because of Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus' shared "mutual
participation" in the cross of Christ, Philemon is compelled to receive
back Onesimus as a brother rather than as a slave. Hebrews 9:21-22
states that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Forgiveness is Christ's work upon the cross. Therefore, no Christian can
"rob" Christ of his sacrifice and judge another: one cannot act in the
place of Christ and withhold forgiveness. This pertains to our life, for
instance, Christians cannot ignore the poor, voiceless, helpless, and
foreigner IF they are covered by the blood of Jesus. Our mind must be
the same as Jesus' - there is no option. This is the theological
understanding of verse six, which translators have had difficulty
conveying the confusing Greek syntax of Paul in that verse.
Tag: Philemon, Compassion