“What” the Word of God is can only properly be understood when one realizes that the Word is also a “Who,” a person. So, who is the Word of God? John testifies: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)
The Word was in the beginning with God and has made all things. The Word has a creative characteristic. God speaks a word “Let there be light,” and the Word creates light. The speaking of the word creates and quickens. The Word of God (those works inspired by the Holy Spirit) creates new hearts in man and give new life to man so he can return to God.
“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 1:15-16)
As with any passage, this passage can be variously interpretted (depending on how one interprets Paul’s intentions). But notice the emphasis on fraternity here. Paul is encouraging Philemon to see Onesimus as “better than a slave,” and “as a dear brother.” The fact that we as Christians are all sons of God implies that we are brothers as well. Needless to say, Christians should treat other Christians like family members, like brothers, and not as slaves, which one might be inclined to treat worse.
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