Westside church of Christ - Irving, Texas

Getting Good out of the Little Epistles

by Tony Mauck

Of the twenty seven New Testament books, why are Philemon, 2 John, 3 John and Jude included? In the usual approach taken to Scripture, "getting good out of" these little personal letters may seem challenging when compared to say integrating the "good" of Hebrews into practical life. Why are these little ones here for cherry-picking purposes only?

In Philemon, we see Paul deftly walking a tightrope from his heart to Philemon's. This situation is sticky. Philemon is Paul's brother in Christ. But so also now is Onesimus, Philemon's once useless, runaway slave. Ironically, this AWOL slave finds salvation, becoming a slave to Christ. Too, he has become "useful" to Paul. Though styled "my child," Paul carefully appeals to his owner Philemon to forgive Onesimus and treat him well. He treads the highwire to Philemon's heart gingerly, not wanting to fall off on the side of accusation or demand. Neither does he want to fall off on the other side by offering up Onesimus to suffer ill treatment as a result of his past transgressions against his master.

In the phrase, "I will repay it" (verse 19), Paul offers to compensate Philemon for any charges on Onesimus" ac- count. Paul balances the offer with a very significant re- minder of what Philemon owes Paul. A dramatic request follows, "Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ" (verse 20). Paul challenges Philemon to go above and beyond in his commitment to Christ and to Paul himself. It may take some anger manage- ment, some pride swallowing, some deep-reaching into the well-springs of the mercy of Christ, but it's the best course. Paul expresses his utmost confidence that Philemon will do "even more than what I say" (verse 21). Then, he tells Philemon to prepare the guest room. Philemon is Paul's valued brother and close friend. As a result of Philemon's answered prayers for him, Paul hopes to visit soon.

As demonstrated in the above, Philemon and these tiny letters remind us that ultimately Christianity is personal. These personal letters give us a glimpse into the arena where Christianity happens between human beings and before God. The little letters tell us of actual people, large problems and challenging solutions. And in the battle that is so daily for the Christian and at times so discouraging and difficult, we must remember. All of these little epistles are about remem- bering things - what is truly concrete, reliable and yields eternal dividends. Why? Because we so easily and quickly forget in the face of adversity. We find ourselves forlorn, frustrated, vexed and tired. Paul firmly but gently admonishes Philemon'I know this isn't easy for you, but remember that you are a debtor both to Christ and to me.

While only 13 verses, 2 John is of much benefit in a time when truth is so lowly valued. Jesus powerfully affirmed in John 8:32, "...you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 2 John also extols the value of truth in the lives of actual believers, "the chosen lady and her children." The connection is made between truth and love. Truth is more than things believed; it's a lifestyle to be lived. Remem- ber the high and noble path you've chosen. And be warned of the opposition! Deceivers mislead, thus, we must be watch- ful. Consequences follow in the rejection of truth and fellow- ship must be severed from those who do.

3 John's recipient is a beloved brother named Gaius. John's warning regarding preeminence-loving Diotrephes must reflect some concern for the welfare his friend, "Do not imitate what is evil but what is good" (verse 11). Demetrius, on the other hand, could be counted on. And in both 2 John and 3 John, John certainly desires and prefers a face to face exchange (2 John 12; 3 John 14). We could learn a lot from that. In our highly mobile times, how hard is it really to get together in the same room to work through the difficulties that must be confronted?

And then there's Jude. I guess I cannot say with absolute certainty that the writer is the Lord's brother, but I am fairly confident since he identifies himself as "the brother of James" (Mark 6:3; John 7:5; Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). I know I want to believe that. I have often pondered what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' younger brothers and to witness first-hand His perfect life and awesome deeds.

What a relevant message too! Three of those messages are inscribed beneath the epistle in my Bible: 1) The kingdom of God is worth the fight; 2) The prize is worth the effort; and 3) The salvation of others is worth the rescue. Jude 3 and 4 serve as a common camping ground for many evangelists, lately I have gravitated more toward the last nine verses. Jude's conclusion gives me hope I can defeat the adver- sary. I can save others. God is actively involved in our lives and our ultimate salvation. The last two verses should be required daily meditation. Above all else, I want that joy, yes, that "great joy" Jude describes.

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Abundant Life: July/August 2008