Paul’s letter to Philemon was being sent by a man named Onesimus, a slave that served Philemon and his Christian home, that had left and met Paul, only to obey the gospel and now being sent back to his master. This letter indicates the oneness of the nature that we all have in Christ. Paul would write in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” In speaking to brother Paul Owino, a minister working in Kenya, the question was asked how the native people react toward white missionaries. The answer was beautiful, they are accepted because they see all believers as one in Christ. 

The oneness of the church is seen in the following ways:

1. The beauty of unity – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore” (Psalm 133).

2. Christians have the same Lord – “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:34-36).

3. Christians are redeemed by the same blood – “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18, 29).

4. Christians have the same name – “Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:22-26). 

We must treat all believers with love and respect, we cannot show partiality to others, whether good or bad. It’s interesting that as Paul encourages Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, he also warns Philemon that he may just drop in someday to check on him, “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you” (Philemon 21, 22). If we say that we love the brethren, we need to prove it!

All Christians are heirs of the same promise, and we will all receive the same reward, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). Believe in the Lord, obey His commands, and be welcomed to the family of God!

By: Justin Odom