Philemon 1:15
Amharic Gofa 2011 (ኦራ ጫቁዋ ጎፋ)
What Does This Mean?
Paul is speaking to Philemon about a runaway slave named Onesimus. He suggests that Onesimus might have left for a while so that when he returns, Philemon will receive him not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ.
Explained for Children
Imagine you had a toy that you didn't like very much, and one day it went away. Later, someone brings it back to you, but this time it's special because it knows how to play with you better than before. That’s kind of what Paul is saying about Onesimus coming back to Philemon.
Historical Background
This verse comes from the book of Philemon written by the apostle Paul around 60 AD, addressed to a wealthy Christian named Philemon who lived in Colossae. The letter deals with the relationship between master and slave in the context of their shared faith.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, we can think about how sometimes people we know may distance themselves from us only to come back later with a new perspective or attitude that strengthens our relationship beyond what it was before.