Lessons in Forgiveness: An Exposition of Philemon

Paul writes a letter to Philemon, his friend and fellow believer. It is delivered by a special carrier: Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. But Onesimus is not the same man who fled from his master: he is now a Christian. As such, Onesimus desires reconciliation with Philemon. Sharing Onesimus’ desire, Paul uses his letter to instruct Philemon, Onesimus, and every Christian about true repentance and what it means to have a forgiving and reconciling heart. It seems that everywhere we look today, we see conflict: in the world, which, because of its rebellion against God, is doomed never to enjoy peace; in marriages, even Christian marriages; in homes, even in Christian homes; and in churches. The little letter to Philemon contains principles of peace which we would be wise to follow—especially since, as the children of God, we are called to be peacemakers. Based on a series of sermons preached in the summer of 2012 to the Limerick Reformed Fellowship, Lessons in Forgiveness details the author's study of an overlooked chapter in the New Testament. In this book about Paul’s often neglected epistle, Martyn McGeown expounds truths that are vital for the lives of all Christians—truths that flow out of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has forgiven us and reconciled us to the Father.   Martyn McGeown is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He is also the editor of the RFPA blog and the author of multiple RFPA publications.   144 pages hardcover ISBN 978-1-959515-32-6 Release date: September 2024   eBook version available