Lessons in Forgiveness: An Exposition of Philemon

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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.

What others are saying about this book:

"Philemon is a book that I have read, but never really examined in depth. The story seems fairly simple: slave runs away from his master, encounters Paul and becomes a believer. Paul loves both men and writes to the master desiring that the men reconcile. McGeown digs much more deeply than my rudimentary summary of Paul’s letter. He sets forth three major themes, all centered around love: Paul’s love for both Philemon and Onesimus, Gods love for mankind and what he did to redeem us, and the love and mercy that we as believers need to show to one another. Within these themes many things are touched upon. Barriers to reconciliation are covered. There are beautiful descriptions of Gods grace and mercy throughout, the Gospel is clearly articulated, repentance and consequences are discussed, imputation and restitution are examined. At the end of this short book, the author sums it all up with a charge to each reader: 'we learn from this beautiful epistle how we are to treat others in light of how Christ has had mercy on us.' I recommend this book. It’s short, but deep." - a reviewer

"It is also quite remarkable how much insight and knowledge Martyn McGeown is able to expound whilst explaining how the epistle connects with the salvation narrative of Scripture...[Lessons] is an excellent commentary on Philemon, but it is more than that. It is a beautiful photograph of the Gospel worked out in the lives of ordinary Christian people." - @biblebookstheology

Read reviews by @biblebookstheology and Titus Langerak (the Grandville Gleaner).

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