I am a romantic, in the sense that my thoughts of the past are often idealized and void of the riggers and monotony of daily life. I often contemplate living in the 1800s and exploring the western territories with Lewis and Clark. More than anything, I contemplate what it would have been like in the early church in Asia Minor and in Europe.
We have some letters that were written to these churches. They mention the struggles with those that were teaching error. These letters speak of the hardships that they had with the government and other unscrupulous individuals. One short letter is written to an individual, Philemon, by name. In this letter, Paul encourages Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother (Phile. 1:10-16). In the opening remarks, he sends greetings to possible family members of Philemon and then, “to the church that meets in your house” (Phile. 1:2).
This was a practice that was common during that time. The cultural climate did not allow for the church to have a strong public presence with a permanent facility. So, the church from the beginning met in homes (Acts 2:46). It appears that the church in Colossae met in the home of Philemon. That is of note considering the dangers that could have involved. We know that Paul himself, when he was Saul, had gone from house to house ravaging the church (Acts 8:3). In other places, Paul and his companions had to leave towns with haste due to the opposition. The church was one that was spoken evil of. So, there was inherent danger in opening your home to be used this way, not only as a meeting place but also as a place to room Paul when he was in town (Phile. 1:22).
There were some words that Paul used to describe Philemon that would attest as to why he would take the risk and open his home to Paul. “I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother” (Phile. 1:4-7).
Paul mentions faith and love toward Christ and the brethren. Those two things refreshed the members of the congregation. What if the church met in your home? How would that affect your life? What steps would you take to ensure her growth and safety? Many of your answers would be of great use today and would be refreshing to the brethren.