PHILEMON at a glance

PURPOSE: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Philemon in an effort to convince him to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and accept him as a brother in the faith.

AUTHOR:  Paul 

WHO WAS IT TO: Philemon, who we presume from the tenor of the letter was more than likely a wealthy member of the church in Colossae.

WHEN WRITTEN:  Around AD 60, when Paul was in Roman prison the first time. This was written about the same time the letters to the Ephesian and Colossian churches were written.

SETTING: Slavery was very common in the Roman Empire, and apparently some Christians had slaves. Paul has nothing negative to say in any of his correspondence about slavery itself, but rather makes a shocking statement by telling Philemon that his slave is in fact now his brother in Christ.

            The letter to Philemon was a personal plea on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who belonged to Philemon. Onesimus had stolen from his master and had run away to Rome where he met Paul. The slave responded to the gospel and had come to faith in Christ. In Paul’s letter he explained to Philemon, a friend of the apostles, that he was sending the slave back, not only as a slave, but also as a brother in faith. Paul tactfully asked Philemon to accept and forgive his new brother.

            This letter is a masterful example of grace and tact in action and is also a profound demonstration of the power of Christ to save and of Christian fellowship. As with Philemon, God calls us all to seek unity, breaking down walls of prejudice and doctrinal differences to  embrace our brothers and sisters in Christ.

            Paul pleads on behalf of Onesimus, which illustrates what Christ has done for us. As Paul intercedes for this slave, so Christ intercedes for us, for we were slaves to sin. As Onesimus was reconciled to his master Philemon, to are we reconciled to God thru Christ. As Paul offered to pay the debts of a slave, so Christ paid our sin debt. Like Onesimus, we must return to God, our master and serve him. 

            Up next are the Mega Themes of Titus. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible.