Day 183: April 27, 2026 – I Thessalonians 1-5 and Philemon

It has been a long time since I read Philemon, and how refreshing was that? A book of the Bible where the author is happy with the recipients of the word that is written to them. We have read consistently the disobedience of the Israelites in basically every book of the Old Testament. We read in Corinthians about how short they have fallen from that which God wanted from them. But here in Thessalonians, Paul can’t help but sing their praises. He uses them as an example of faith that other communities ought to emulate. We also get him explaining to them what the story is with the end times and why there is a delay and what to do during the delay. They were expecting it at any time, and as their loved ones were dying around them he tells them it is okay to grieve, but not like people without hope.

Philemon, the single chapter, is Paul reminded the person, Philemon, about Onesimus who seemed to be a slave and was asked to be welcomed back into the fold because he is now no longer a slave, at least should no longer be a slave, but a brother in Christ.