Week 29: Learning the Art of Letter Writing from Paul

 

There are many things we might learn from Paul.

I asked ChatGPT and she/he/it/they spewed out the following in no time at all!

Studying the life of the apostle Paul offers insights into several significant characteristics:

  1. Courage and Resilience: Paul faced numerous hardships, including persecution, imprisonment, and physical dangers, yet he persisted in spreading the Gospel fearlessly.
  2. Faith and Commitment: His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided his actions and decisions throughout his life, even in the face of adversity.
  3. Passion for Evangelism: Paul was zealous in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, demonstrating a fervent commitment to spreading the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
  4. Intellectual Depth: Paul was highly educated and possessed a deep understanding of Scripture and theology, which he used to articulate and defend the Christian faith.
  5. Humility and Servant Leadership: Despite his significant role, Paul demonstrated humility, viewing himself as a servant of Christ and others rather than seeking personal glory.
  6. Adaptability: Paul was adaptable in various cultural contexts, effectively communicating the Gospel message to diverse audiences.
  7. Suffering and Endurance: He endured physical suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ, demonstrating perseverance and steadfastness in his faith.
  8. Love and Compassion: Paul exhibited genuine care and concern for the churches he founded, often expressing deep emotional bonds and prayers for their spiritual growth.
  9. Prayer and Dependence on God: Paul’s writings reveal a consistent reliance on prayer and dependence on God’s guidance and strength in his ministry.
  10. Transformation and Growth: From being a persecutor of Christians to becoming one of the foremost apostles, Paul’s life exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Christ.

But the art of writing a request letter? I am one up on AI!!

Philemon was happy to receive a letter from his mentor and it begins quite innocently:

“3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

But not before he softens him with a description of himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus in the opening lines.

Calculated to curry sympathy!!

And then the python (the snaky thing, not the programming language!) goes around poor Philemon:
4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
Don’t miss “brother“!
And it tightens with emotion triggering words like “love, appeal, aged, prisoner, chains”. Philemon is totally subdued!
The ground well prepared, Paul pops the request. But in fact, by now, it is a fait accompli. It is a command, a statement of authority! Consider the words:
12 I am sending him (Onesimus) back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

This is super! Philemon is left in a quandary as to whether he should act voluntarily or by compulsion!!

“15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.”!

Philemon is putty in Paul’s hands!!

 

4 thoughts on “Week 29: Learning the Art of Letter Writing from Paul”

  3. After so many years, this letter of Paul to Philemon, still makes me feel like it is a gentle, yet stern letter; kind of required emotional blackmail.

    Reminds me in a different way about his practical advice elsewhere about….
    ‘….heaping burning coals on one’s head….’

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