Good coming from the "bad"
<p>From a human perspective three "bad" things were happening out of which God was bringing good results:
- Paul was in prison and was losing the fellowship and services of Onesimus.
<b>Philemon 1:11-13 (ESV) </b>(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)<br />
<sup>12 </sup> I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.<br />
<sup>13 </sup> I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,
- Onesimus, a runaway slave who, according to the text, may have also stolen some property from his master Philemon, was having to return to face the consequences of his crime. And those consequences could include death if Philemon so chose.
- Philemon was having to accept Onesimus back and forgive him; and thus suffer these consequences:
a. Loss of whatever Onesimus stole (though Paul promised to compensate Philemon that was not going to happen any time soon since Paul was incarcerated).
b. Loss of face among other slave owners where he lived.
c. Potential difficulties controlling others of his slaves or hired servants who may interpret his leniency as softness.</p>
<p>
The good God was bringing through these events includes:</p>
<ol>
<li>Onesimus was spiritually saved.</li>
<li>Paul had the opportunity to spiritually edify both Onesimus and Philemon.</li>
<li>Philemon had the opportunity to forgive, which both pleases Christ and edifies Philemon.</li>
<li>Philemon gained a servant better than the preceding disgruntled and dishonest Onesimus. He gained a servant, Onesimus, who also loved Philemon as a brother in Christ.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>