The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
PHILEMON
Author: Paul
Date: A.D. 60–61
Theme: Brotherly Love
Key Word: Brother
Background. This letter is Paul’s personal appeal to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slaveowner. It appears that Philemon had been converted under Paul’s ministry (v. 19), that he resided in Colosse, and that the Colossian church met in his house (v. 2). Onesimus, one of his slaves, had fled to Rome, apparently after damaging or stealing his master’s property (vv. 11, 18). In Rome, Onesimus came in contact with the imprisoned Paul, who led him to Christ (v. 10).
Paul eventually wrote to the church in Colosse and evidently included this letter on Onesimus’s behalf. Tychicus and Onesimus apparently delivered both letters. See Colossians 4:7–9; Philemon 12. The close relationship between Paul and Philemon is evidenced by their mutual prayers (vv. 4, 22) and an “open door” hospitality (v. 22). Love, trust, and respect characterized their friendship (vv. 1, 14, 21).
Slavery was an accepted economic and social reality in the Roman world. A slave was his master’s property, without rights. Under Roman law, runaway slaves could be severely punished and even condemned to death. Slave uprisings in the first century resulted in fearful and suspicious owners. While the early Christian church did not directly attack the institution of slavery, it reordered the relationship between master and slave. Both were equal before God (Gal. 3:28), and both were accountable for their behavior (Eph. 6:5–9).
Occasion and Date. Paul wrote this letter during his first Roman imprisonment about A.D. 61. He desired a genuine Christian reconciliation between a wronged slaveowner and a forgiven slave. Paul tactfully, yet urgently, interceded for Onesimus and expressed complete confidence that Philemon’s faith and love would result in restoration (vv. 5, 21).
Purpose. Paul’s primary goal was to see Philemon freely embrace the fugitive Onesimus as a brother in Christ. He also expressed joy in Philemon’s ministry and encouraged him to continue (vv. 4–7). The apostle made clear his desire for Onesimus to stay with him, but insisted on reconciliation first (vv. 13, 14).
Characteristics. While the shortest of Paul’s epistles, Philemon is a deep revelation of Christ at work in the lives of Paul and those around him. The tone is one of warm, personal friendship rather than apostolic authority. It reveals how Paul politely yet firmly addressed a central issue of the Christian life, namely love through forgiveness, in a very sensitive situation. It presents Paul’s persuasion in action.
Content. The epistle is a hallmark expression of true Christian relationships. After personally greeting Philemon and his fellow believers, Paul expresses thanksgiving for their love and faith toward Christ and their fellow believers.
Brotherly love often requires practical grace and mercy, and Paul soon comes to this point. He explains the conversion of Onesimus and the slave’s new value in the ministry and family of Jesus Christ (vv. 12–16). This transformation, along with Paul’s deep friendship with both men, is the basis for a new beginning.
This is no shallow appeal by Paul, for he writes a “blank check” on behalf of Onesimus for any outstanding debts (vv. 17–19). He brings the petition to a close knowing that Philemon’s love and character will prevail. As he concludes, one can sense the unity of the Spirit among all the saints involved.
Personal Application. This work presents the incredible power of Christ to bring healing to broken lives. It includes the personal reunion between Jesus Christ and the runaway sinner, as well as the wonderful restoration of two believers who were formerly separated. Only with Christ’s example of forgiveness through the Cross are we able to overcome our hurts and mistakes and be reconciled to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Christ Revealed. This epistle powerfully applies the message of the gospel. Once an estranged slave, Onesimus is now “a beloved brother” in Christ as well (v. 16). Philemon is challenged to show the same unconditional pardon that he received through the grace and love of Jesus. Paul’s offer to pay a debt that was not his own on behalf of a repentant slave is a clear picture of the work of Calvary. Paul’s intercession is furthermore analogous to Christ’s ongoing intercession with the Father on our behalf.
The Holy Spirit at Work. While not specifically mentioned in Philemon, the Holy Spirit was definitely active in Paul’s ministry and in the life of the church. It is the Holy Spirit who baptizes all believers, whether slave or free, into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); and Paul applies this truth to the lives of Philemon and Onesimus. Love, a fruit of the Spirit, is evident throughout the letter.
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
PHILEMON
Author: Paul
Date: A.D. 60–61
Theme: Brotherly Love
Key Word: Brother
Background. This letter is Paul’s personal appeal to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slaveowner. It appears that Philemon had been converted under Paul’s ministry (v. 19), that he resided in Colosse, and that the Colossian church met in his house (v. 2). Onesimus, one of his slaves, had fled to Rome, apparently after damaging or stealing his master’s property (vv. 11, 18). In Rome, Onesimus came in contact with the imprisoned Paul, who led him to Christ (v. 10).
Paul eventually wrote to the church in Colosse and evidently included this letter on Onesimus’s behalf. Tychicus and Onesimus apparently delivered both letters. See Colossians 4:7–9; Philemon 12. The close relationship between Paul and Philemon is evidenced by their mutual prayers (vv. 4, 22) and an “open door” hospitality (v. 22). Love, trust, and respect characterized their friendship (vv. 1, 14, 21).
Slavery was an accepted economic and social reality in the Roman world. A slave was his master’s property, without rights. Under Roman law, runaway slaves could be severely punished and even condemned to death. Slave uprisings in the first century resulted in fearful and suspicious owners. While the early Christian church did not directly attack the institution of slavery, it reordered the relationship between master and slave. Both were equal before God (Gal. 3:28), and both were accountable for their behavior (Eph. 6:5–9).
Occasion and Date. Paul wrote this letter during his first Roman imprisonment about A.D. 61. He desired a genuine Christian reconciliation between a wronged slaveowner and a forgiven slave. Paul tactfully, yet urgently, interceded for Onesimus and expressed complete confidence that Philemon’s faith and love would result in restoration (vv. 5, 21).
Purpose. Paul’s primary goal was to see Philemon freely embrace the fugitive Onesimus as a brother in Christ. He also expressed joy in Philemon’s ministry and encouraged him to continue (vv. 4–7). The apostle made clear his desire for Onesimus to stay with him, but insisted on reconciliation first (vv. 13, 14).
Characteristics. While the shortest of Paul’s epistles, Philemon is a deep revelation of Christ at work in the lives of Paul and those around him. The tone is one of warm, personal friendship rather than apostolic authority. It reveals how Paul politely yet firmly addressed a central issue of the Christian life, namely love through forgiveness, in a very sensitive situation. It presents Paul’s persuasion in action.
Content. The epistle is a hallmark expression of true Christian relationships. After personally greeting Philemon and his fellow believers, Paul expresses thanksgiving for their love and faith toward Christ and their fellow believers.
Brotherly love often requires practical grace and mercy, and Paul soon comes to this point. He explains the conversion of Onesimus and the slave’s new value in the ministry and family of Jesus Christ (vv. 12–16). This transformation, along with Paul’s deep friendship with both men, is the basis for a new beginning.
This is no shallow appeal by Paul, for he writes a “blank check” on behalf of Onesimus for any outstanding debts (vv. 17–19). He brings the petition to a close knowing that Philemon’s love and character will prevail. As he concludes, one can sense the unity of the Spirit among all the saints involved.
Personal Application. This work presents the incredible power of Christ to bring healing to broken lives. It includes the personal reunion between Jesus Christ and the runaway sinner, as well as the wonderful restoration of two believers who were formerly separated. Only with Christ’s example of forgiveness through the Cross are we able to overcome our hurts and mistakes and be reconciled to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Christ Revealed. This epistle powerfully applies the message of the gospel. Once an estranged slave, Onesimus is now “a beloved brother” in Christ as well (v. 16). Philemon is challenged to show the same unconditional pardon that he received through the grace and love of Jesus. Paul’s offer to pay a debt that was not his own on behalf of a repentant slave is a clear picture of the work of Calvary. Paul’s intercession is furthermore analogous to Christ’s ongoing intercession with the Father on our behalf.
The Holy Spirit at Work. While not specifically mentioned in Philemon, the Holy Spirit was definitely active in Paul’s ministry and in the life of the church. It is the Holy Spirit who baptizes all believers, whether slave or free, into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); and Paul applies this truth to the lives of Philemon and Onesimus. Love, a fruit of the Spirit, is evident throughout the letter.
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
