Title: A Godly employer

Hits
237

The book of Philemon gives us an insight into the character that God expects of Christians who are employers. This story is about a man named Philemon, whose slave called Onesimus had run away. Whilst on the run, Onesimus came into contact with the Apostle Paul and became a Christian. Paul, decides to send Onesimus back to his former master, but not before mentioning some of the attributes of Philemon.

Paul gives us an insight into the character of Philemon. Philemon demonstrates a series of attributes that should be displayed by all Christians

4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. (Philemon 4-7)

Paul stated that whenever he remembered Philemon, he always gave thanks to God. Philemon must have made a significant impact on Paul to have been remembered in Paul’s prayers. It seems that Paul was thankful for the love and faith which Philemon had for the Lord and for the saints. Paul intimates that Philemon is a man after his own heart. Paul praises him for the loving and faithful ministry to the Lord and to all the saints. He had a heart of compassion for other believers. Paul in giving thanks for Philemon implies that Philemon’s testimony would have been honouring to God.


Paul praised Philemon’s love and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and to all the people. Indeed Paul considers it a great love and joy in knowing him. Philemon was a man who did good, and it was this good that was a matter of joy and comfort to Paul.

Paul must have heard of the good work that Philemon performed through Epaphras (Colossians 1:7-8, 4:12).

Paul also made mention of Philemon’s hospitality, asking him to prepare a room for him. “22And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers”.

Philemon’s obedience is also mentioned in verse 21 “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask”.

Paul and Philemon had strong bonds of friendship (Colossians 1:3,4,9; 2:5-7, Philemon 1,2,9,23). Philemon was probably eager to learn all that he could from Paul.

Paul and Onesimus both knew the danger of a slave returning to its master and yet Paul had confidence that Philemon would exhibit a spirit of forgiveness towards Onesimus. Philemon must have been a mature and strong leader.


Philemon was kind, helpful and charitable (vs 5,7), providing hospitality to other Christians and worked hard in the course of the gospel. Philemon’s act of righteousness is also mentioned in verse 13 and 14

One of the things that is of note about Philemon is that he had time to serve the Lord in the midst of what was a big household and business. The scriptures state that he laboured in the Lord. He worked tirelessly for God. No doubt, in his life he must have put God first and all things second.

The scriptures do not make it clear whether he treated his slaves according to the Mosaic requirements, but one can suppose that at the very least, he would have treated his slaves humanely.

About the Author: Ola Aroyehun is the editor of ‘The Christian Business Magazine’ – a magazine dedicated to applying biblical truths to the world of business. She has a desire to see Christians be ‘students’ of the word and not just ‘readers of the world’. For more information on wealthy people of the bible, register for the free newsletter at www.christianbusinessonthenet.com.