There were millions of people in Asia Minor, and Philemon was just one of the men who came to know the Lord Jesus. It seems Paul begins by softening up Philemon, as to prepare him initially, before mentioning Onesimus his runaway slave. “For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 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” (15-16). Paul expresses his desire to visit Philemon after his imprisonment (verse 22). His slave, Onesimus (pronounced “own-sim-us”) had run away and by divine providence may have become imprisoned with Paul since … Read the Bible free online. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ", calling Timothy "our brother", and addressing Philemon as "fellow labourer" and "brother." : Zondervan Press, 2005), www.youtube.com,photo credit: mrbill via photopin cc. Philemon was most likely a wealthy member of the church in Colosse. Author: Paul Date Written: AD 61 Chapters: 1 Key People: Paul, Philemon, Onesimus Summary: Paul wrote this letter to Philemon on behalf of Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus. Amen * * * There are several important lessons in this epistle. By reading Philemon you can see by Paul’s words that his love was deep for Onesimus evidenced by Paul’s statement that by his sending Onesimus he was sending “my very heart” back to Philemon (1:12). Both Roman law and the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament gave Philemon the right to punish a runaway slave. This is like an attachment that a father has for a son who is departing. 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our … Epistle. Paul goes one-step further and asks Philemon not only to accept his slave, but also to accept him as a brother in Christ and to overlook his faults and errors. This is what a real brother would do for another. There is a chance he could have known Paul previously for his master Philemon was a disciple of Christ. The epistle to Philemon is a plea from the apostle Paul to receive his slave as a brother, as Christ had received Philemon. (Grand Rapids, MI. Carson and Douglass J. Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament. Paul is not being presumptuous in this and he does not try to use his apostolic authority in trying to keep Onesimus with him (1:14). One of the best commentaries that are available is the Matthew Henry Commentaries. ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ Live Performance Fr... 'In Christ Alone' The Booth Brothers Tent ... 'He Will Lead His Children Home' Bill And ... Inspiring Performance of 'Praise You In Th... 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Now Philemon owned slaves, and he had a slave named Onesimus. https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/philemon Jack is a Christian Author and Freelance Writer. During his flight, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome, and through his ministry came to faith in Christ. Philemon was apparently angry with his absent slave. Summary & Commentary Paul wrote to Philemon while still imprisoned, and accompanied by Timothy. Onesimus is now returning to his master and Paul hopes to influence how Philemon responds to him. This could mean that he also lead Onesimus to faith in Christ and when he does this, he usually addresses such converts as his own sons. It is also possible that Onesimus was not imprisoned but had heard about the Apostle Paul and sought him out and found out that he was in prison. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Watch our overview video on the book of Philemon, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. The Book of Philemon. That meant Paul wanted Philemon to change the relationship between him and Onesimus from owner and slave to brother in Christ. •    Verses 8-25, consist of Paul’s appeal for Onesimus, “I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me” (vs. 10). This letter is one of the rarest of Paul’s epistles since it was written by his own hand and not transcribed as most of his letters were (1:19). Onesimus took a chance one day, as any slave would have done, and made a run for it. It’s been described as the application of the highest principles to the most common affairs, but at the time it happened it was just two people at odds with each other being reconciled by … “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” (vs. 6). The people who lived on the island of Melita were very kind to the strangers who had been thrown by the sea upon their shore. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. While there, Onesimus surrendered his life to Christ. Background – Setting: This epistle is the story of three main characters, Onesimus, Philemon and Paul and their interaction. Philemon 1:14 “I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.”. I find it interesting that Philemon means “loving” because that is exactly the way that Paul writes…with a true love for both Philemon and for Onesimus. He was a native probably of Colosse, or at all events lived in that city when the apostle wrote to him: first, because Onesimus was a Colossian, ( Colossians 4:9) and secondly because Archippus was a Colossian, ( Colossians 4:17) whom Paul associates with Philemon at the beginning of … Philemon Images and Notes. The key personalities of Philemon are Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Paul also is thankful to believers and is often seen expressing this in his writings. How much more so for one in the family of God? “For indeed the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. This book was written by Paul while he was in prison around A. D. 60. This story symbolizes the great atoning sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us. In addition to that Jack is  finishing receiving his masters in religous studies. This is reflective of Old Testament teachings as well like in Ecclesiastes 9:10 which says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (or the grave), to which you are going.”. Philemon was an inhabitant of Colosse, a person of some note and wealth, and a convert under the ministry of St. Paul. We do not always get the full story, but we do get stories. Paul wrote this short letter (see vv. Philemon had a shining testimony, the kind Paul often encouraged other believers to have with commands such as walk in a manner worthy of the gospel (Php 1:27) and the one about shining as stars in the universe. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of Salem Media Group. Written to: Philemon, a wealthy Christian at Colossae, and all future readers of the Bible. In the letter to Philmeon, Paul inserts himself into the middle of the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus. Besides, Onesimus had been serving Paul who was imprisoned at the time (1:11-13). It was written to Philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant Onesimus, who was a new believer in Jesus Christ. The NWT Study Bible is complete with cross references, maps, and an accurate Bible dictionary. Now Paul would be alone, save for His relationship with Christ. Subject: An Illustration of the Believers’ Equal Status in the New Man I. At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. The bible is full of really interesting and cool stories. PHILEMON LETTERS : Letters of intercession by Paul and Philemon on behalf of Onesimus (Philemon 1:1) FAITH » INSTANCES OF FAITH IN CHRIST » Philemon (Philemon 1:5) TIMOTHY » Joined Paul in the letters » To Philemon (Philemon 1:1) UNSELFISHNESS » INSTANCES OF » Philemon (Philemon 1:13,14) Paul’s love for Philemon is obvious because even though Paul could have asked Philemon to let Onesimus stay with Paul to aid him, Paul was still respectful to Philemon as being Onesimus’ master. Philemon may have heard Paul preach in Ephesus, but Paul only knows Philemon by reputation. This letter or epistle to Philemon was for the purpose of having Onesimus freed and accepted as a fellow saint by Philemon. https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-1-changes-gospel-philemon-1-25 Paul’s offer to pay Onesimus’ debt is authentic and not just cheap talk. One of Paul's shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of Philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. Background – Setting: This epistle is the story of three main characters, Onesimus, Philemon and Paul and their interaction. 1,9,19) probably at the same time as Colossians (c. a.d. 60; see Introduction to Colossians: Author, Date and Place of Writing) and sent it to Colosse with the same travelers, Onesimus and Tychicus.He apparently wrote both letters from prison in Rome, … How heartbreaking this must have been to Paul to send back Onesimus because had been attending to the needs of Paul while he was imprisoned and during this time Onesimus and Paul must have formed a strong, loving relationship with one another (1:11,13). This letter gives believers the model with which to characterize what mutual love and respect should be embodied among members of the church. And what lessons does this book hold for believers today? All rights reserved. The similarity of this family-like love relationship is displayed by Paul’s regarding Onesimus as a brother (1:16). 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