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Mentoring

A Case Study: Philemon

In the Letter to Philemon we have a unique instance of Paul’s relationship to a single member of one of his churches, Philemon. As we see how Paul deals with Philemon, we get a sense of what kind of wisdom we might find for mentoring from his example.

Philemon is a brief letter with a clear purpose, but some of the details of the story behind the letter are still somewhat unclear. Paul is in prison and has there met Onesimus. Onesimus is a slave who has run away from his owner, Philemon. Philemon is a member of one of the churches Paul has founded, probably in Colossae. He is clearly a leader of the church that meets in his house.

It is clear that Paul wants Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a Christian brother, forgiving him for any perceived wrong. It is not clear whether Paul implicitly believes that Philemon should recognise his brotherhood with Onesimus by setting him free, or whether Paul asks only that he treat Onesimus with mercy and generosity.

In any case, we can see in the following features of the short letter some of the strategies Paul uses to try to persuade Philemon to open his heart to his departed slave.

First, and this may be more a matter of clever strategy than mentoring on Paul’s part, Paul addresses the letter not only to Philemon but also to Apphia, probably Philemon’s wife, and to Archippus, a friend, and then of course to the whole church.

Second, Paul addresses Philemon as “friend and co-worker,” acknowledging the kind of partnership that trusts Philemon but also entrusts him to Paul’s guidance.

As with all of Paul’s letters, except to the Galatians, Paul begins with a prayer of thanksgiving. The prayer mentions Paul’s close ties to Philemon, but more than that, the prayer is a manifestation of those close ties. Philemon is one for whom Paul prays.

The reasons for Paul’s gratitude point toward the request that he will make:

“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all of the good that we may do for Christ.

I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you my brother” (Philem. 6–7).

The New Revised Standard Version phrase the sharing of your faith translates the Greek word koinonia that we saw in Philippians 1.

Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the holy in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:

2 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

…

5 For your mutual participation in the good news from the first day until now;

6 Confident of this same, that he having begun a good work in you will complete till the day of Jesus Christ:

7 As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, for my having you in the heart; both in my bonds, and in the justification and confirmation of the good news, ye all being partakers of grace with me.

…

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all intelligence;

10 For you to try things differing; that ye may be pure and not stumbling to the day of Christ;

11 Filled with the fruits of justice, by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

…

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, having trusted to my bonds, more abundantly dared to speak the word fearlessly.

15 And some truly by envy and strife, and some also by kindness of disposition, proclaim Christ.

16 Some truly of hired labor announce Christ, not purely, thinking to bring pressure upon my bonds:

17 And some of love, knowing that I am placed for justification of the good news:

(Philippians 1)

This sharing, this fellowship, this partnership includes fellowship with Christ, with Paul, with the community of Philemon’s church. Paul will soon reveal that Onesimus is now also a believer, joined in that fellowship. Surely this partner who has refreshed the hearts of the saints will also refresh the heart of his returning slave.

Mentoring, Biblical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives, Edited by Dean K. Thompson and D. Cameron Murchison

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In the letters of the New Testament we can find several examples of mentoring of providing guidance and support to someone.

Mentoring and mentorship is an important part of the formation of an ecclesia and religious community. Not only can it make new churchgoers quickly feel at home in their new environment, but they will also be able to adapt more easily to their seemingly strange beliefs.

It is up to the leaders of the Church, elders, and preachers to receive and guide people regarding the Word of God. They must endeavour to provide insight into God’s Word and guide the newbies to come to faith according to Jesus Christ.
Sharing faith is crucial for spiritual growth, community building, and fulfilling a divine calling, as it deepens one’s own understanding, offers hope and transformation to others, strengthens believers during trials, and spreads love, purpose, and eternal life, bringing a piece of heaven to earth and fostering deeper connections. It’s not just about giving, but also about receiving wisdom, seeing God’s work, and encouraging others in their spiritual journeys, while purifying one’s own soul from materialism.

The mentor should help his student grow in the faith. He has to plant seeds for a deeper relationship with God, leading to eternal life, joy, and peace. Providing wisdom and direction, the mentor can help people become their best selves. He himself can also force himself to examine and solidify his own beliefs and why he holds them.

Faith-sharing builds courage and motivates action, even when there are difficulties to encounter. Sharing struggles and joys builds irreplaceable closeness and unity.

Whether on the street, in public transport, a school, a house, house church, small or larger church, every place is enough to be a space where one can share faith. One should only dare to speak about it. And that is the commission that Jesus Christ gave his followers.

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Preceding

1. Every Believer Must Do Good Works and Proclaim the Gospel
2. Being in tune with God
3. Public Communication
4. Public forums
5. Team Learning and Personal Accountability

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Additional reading

1. Are you religious, spiritual, or do you belong to a religion, having a faith or interfaith
2. Words to push and pull
3. Need to inspire others
4. Being in isolation #3 Gathering and Sharing
5. Being in isolation #4 Man’s greediness, slackness, internet, friends and social contacts
6. Ability (part 5) Thought about the abilities to be under God’s Spirit
7. Ability (part 7) Thought about the ability to grow as a member of the Body of Christ
8. Not withholding the Good News
9. On the way to the altar of the world
10. Priest, scribes and others with authority
11. Preachers should know and continue the task Jesus has given his followers
12. Christoph Heilig on “What makes a good Biblical Scholar or Theologian?”
13. a Path to explore more
14. The Realm of profession in Christianity
15. Different approach in organisation of services #3
16. The gift of joy
17. Today’s thought “A blessing and a curse” (April 25)
18. Meeting in a house
19. Monday September 1: Looking forward to a church revival
20. As a small church needing encouragement