Books make great gifts (especially today with staying home more), and one I recommend is one by Henrietta Mears, WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT. A great Bible teacher of the 20m century, she built one of the largest Sunday Schools in the world. She wrote curriculum that was in such demand that she founded Gospel House Publishers in 1933. This book is still relevant today as it was when I sent for a copy in 1967 from a Billy Graham preaching event on TV. I will give you a sampling in choosing one of the 5 shortest books in the Bible, Philemon, having only one chapter of 335 words, to show Mears’ treatment of making the Bible come alive.

Philemon offers readers an easy-to-understand study on Christian love and forgiveness, showing the power of the gospel in winning a runaway thief and slave, and in changing a master’s mind about it.. One could call it a textbook of social service.

In the new Testament, Philemon, tucked away between Titus and Hebrews, is a model letter (epistle) by a master of letter writing. The apostle Paul’s personal letter to Philemon is broken up into 25 verses but contains such strong and beautiful statements. It’s so well expressed that it stands out as a gem written with courtesy and tactfulness.

Some people who find it hard to speak of their faith in Christ can write about their experience better. A letter is good for the reader, too, because a letter can be read and re-read, allowing the reader to think about it more. All that has been preserved of Paul’s ministry is found in his letters (or epistles).

In this letter, Paul intercedes with Philemon for his runaway slave, Onesimus, who had stolen from Philemon and ran away to Rome. He met Paul and found Jesus Christ as his Savior. He and Paul became good friends, but Paul knew he was Philemon’s lawful slave, so he couldn’t keep him permanently. So, Paul sends him home with a letter to Philemon. He pleads to Philemon to taken Onesimus back. Paul makes himself personally responsible for the slave’s debts, and that they be charged to his account.

Paul wanted to save the slave from the severe and cruel punishment he deserved according to Roman law. Paul feel that Onesimus must not encounter his outraged master alone. This beautiful letter from God’s aged servant, in bonds for the gospel, foreshadows the time when the bonds of Christ’s love should break the bonds of

It is not always the passing of years that brings old age. Paul aged prematurely through work, anxiety, and eagerness of spirit. At about 60 years old, he became a prisoner, and as such, he appealed to his friend, Philemon.

He speaks not as a prisoner but with authority of an apostle, writing as a friend to a friend. He’s always looked for the good in others. Philemon’s family was the nucleus of his own home-church where others gathered to worship. One of the causes for the spiritual decline today is the lack of church in the home with a family altar.

Paul begins his letters with love and faith and tells of the joy he finds in fellowship. Even though he was far away from Philemon, his loving helpfulness to others had done Paul good in that far-off Roman prison. He prays that Philemon’s faith may ever grow.

Paul was a wonderful student of human nature. The picture he portrays of himself as the bent and battered prisoner of Jesus Christ, opens a well of sympathy in Philemon’s heart as he reads his friend’s letter. Onesimus, whose name means “profitable” had robbed his master and ran away to Rome. In some way, he fell in with the little band of Christians surrounding Paul and was converted. Paul sends him back to Philemon with a friendly, personal note.

He takes pleasure in playing with the fellow’s name. The “unprofitable” servant now is “profitable” through Christ. Paul uses tact, admitting Onesimus had been good for nothing in the past but hopes to put Philemon in a favorable mood. While Philemon’s voice trembles, Mother Apphia is wiping her tears, the son is clearing his throat.

All three read the letter together. Paul’s little joke and pun causes them to break into smiles. Onesimus nervously fumbles with his cap at the back door, then breaks into a broad grin and the tension is over.

Paul’s action here is an illustration of the Lord’s work on behalf of the sinner. Paul doesn’t minimize the sin, but he pleads forgiveness on the ground of his own merit in the eyes of Philemon, his friend. More than that, he makes himself personally responsible for the debt of Onesimus. “Put that to mine account” This is the message of the gospel. For Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross. This is what Christ does—takes the sinner’s place.

This letter gives a clear idea of the attitude of Christianity to the social organization of the world. Paul doesn’t address the slavery issue here. Brotherhood in Christ is more than emancipation. Christianity does not merely free the slaves but teaches them that they and their masters are one in Christ.

Christianity has yet to completely abolish slavery. Slavery vanquishes wherever brotherly love of Christ has been shed abroad. But, of course, it still exists. Sometimes disguised by other names, wherever human life is sold, it exists. Christ has to change man; He frees us from sin’s slavery and sends us forth to abolish slavery of every kind.

After reading this (more than once is good), now turn in your Bible and read the short book of Philemon, which is Paul’s letter (or epistle). Isn’t it so much easier to understand? This excellent book is still available online, being revised through the years, and is inexpensive.

If you have an experience, book review, or ideas to share to give hope, email me at profgillespie@yahoo.com. Be safe. Stay warm. God bless.