Jan 02, 2020 this is a recurring theme throughout the epistles of paul, and in the book of titus, he goes so far as to say their mouths must be stopped. There was a church there, perhaps established by epaphras colossians 1. For one thing, slavery is not even in the context of the book of philemon. Among these letters are some of the earliest extant christian documents. There are three main characters paul, philemon, and onesimus that paul himself used to focus on the important doctrine of the believer in christ. Paul, as an apostle, could have commanded philemon to forgive onesimus but instead was pleading with him. The book of philemon was written in approximately a. In some bibles a subscription to the epistle may show that paul wrote from nicopolis in macedonia.
Along with colossians, philippians, the letter to philemon is one of paul s letters from prison. One of paul s shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. Paul was a prisoner at the time verses 1 and 9, so this is one of the four prison epistles, along with ephesians, philippians, and colossians, which paul wrote during his first roman imprisonment. The book of philemon is one of the most interesting, yet neglected books of the bible. Paul sent the other three prison epistlesephesians, colossians, and philemonby the hand of tychicus, as their destinations were near one another. In verse 7, paul refers to the same love he mentioned in verse 5. The letter of paul to philemon epistle by saint paul britannica. Paul s letter to philemon, apphia and archippus and the church in histheir house philemon 1. The letter suggests that paul was in prison at the time of the writing. Philemon, a slaveholder, and a convert of paul, apparently during the period of his ephesian sojourn, had joined the company of saints in christ at colossae, and the church met in his house. Instead of a masterslave relationship, it should now be a brotherly relationship.
This is a personal letter from the apostle paul to philemon, a wealthy christian from colossae. The slave apparently had met paul in prison, was converted, and. Written and dispatched at the same time as the epistles of colossians and ephesians, philemon was one of pauls personal letters which included those he sent to titus and timothy. Philemon tpt from paul, a prisoner of the anointed. The other three are ephesians, philippians, and colossians. The author who else but paul would be the author of the book of philippians.
One of his slaves, onesimus, had apparently stolen from him cf. There is no longer jew or greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female. An argument of the book of philemon related media being encouraged by the reports of spiritual effectiveness in philemons life, paul requests of him to graciously receive his runaway slave, onesimus, as a fellow believer and partner in the gospel ministry in accordance with the love that he has shown to other believers and the grace which he. After his dramatic conversion on the road to damascus, paul s singular purpose was to prove that jesus is the christ acts 9. Some commentators surmise that apphia may have been philemon s wife and archippus their son, but here at abarim publications we find it doubtful that paul would use his churchhosting. Book of philemon overview insight for living ministries.
Onesimus was a slave who had robbed and run away from his owner, philemon, and had fled to rome, where he came in contact with the teachings of the apostle paul. This whole world is depicted as subject to christ and has its meaning, aim, and goal in the church, which is christs body and over which he is the head. In this short personal letter, the apostle paul asks his friend philemon to extend forgiveness to a runaway slave named onesimus. He is most famous for the thirteen books of the new testament that he wrote, which are referred to as the pauline epistles. Watch our overview video on the book of philemon, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Paul clarifies his appeal to philemon, but even his clarification falls short of telling philemon exactly what he is supposed to do. Colossians has some interesting overlap with philemon.
It is significant to note that paul claims that in christ the useless person has been. Paul also addressed onesimus to tell him that he has a duty to return to his master philemon 1. It gives a dynamic meaning to faith in the market place. Interesting facts about philemon barnes bible charts author. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The title of this letter is the name of the addressee, taken from verse 1. What is the chance that a slave of one of pauls friends would end up with him in prison from such a great distance. Paul s basic claim in philemon is the same as it is in galatians 3. In philemon, paul is proactively serving as a mediator between philemon and onesimus. The letter of paul to philemon epistle by saint paul. When and where is a subject about which the bible is silent, so we can only speculate see the introduction for two possibilities. Because believers in jesus are equal partners in the new humanity, paul asks philemon to forgive his runaway slave onesimus. It was written to philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant onesimus, who was a new believer in jesus christ.
Paul had led him to christ and his faith had demonstrated itself in a deep love for fellow human beings, especially those who shared in a. Philemon bible study lesson 1 historical backgrounds of. In this way, the indeterminacy of the appeal reminds philemon that paul is calling for a change of heart that should result in an acquisition of the right christian perspective on the matter. The letter is addressed to philemon, an old friend of paul s who he had converted during his time at colosse. In order to better appreciate the book of philemon, it is. Its written to philemon whose slave onesimus ran away and became a believer under paul s teaching.
It fits on just one page, right before hebrews, and is a letter sent by paul and perhaps coauthored by timothy as an attempt to intercede on behalf of onesimus, philemon s runaway slave. Meaning, origin and history of the name philemon behind. The letter of paul to philemon, brief new testament letter written by paul the. The author paul declares himself to actually be the. It is a prison letter, coauthored by paul the apostle with timothy, to philemon, a leader in the colossian church.
We can learn what we should avoid as well as that which we. The thirteenth, and last, of paul s epistles, and the eighteenth book in the new testament, is philemon. The apostle paul deserves our attention as we look to the bible for instruction on how to live a life pleasing to our lord. The pauline epistles, also called epistles of paul or letters of paul, are the thirteen books of the new testament attributed to paul the apostle, although the authorship of some is in dispute. They are included in the body of the text so the reader can see them as he reads the book without having to page over to a separate outline.
It was written around 62 ad whilst paul was imprisoned in rome. The book of philemon is as several authors have said, like looking over the shoulder of philemon as he reads his personal mail. This may seem strange to the modern mindreturn an escaped slave. However, the letter to the philippians was to be delivered by epaphroditus, who had come to paul in rome with financial help from the church at philippi philippians 2. Philemon, however, is not a purely personal letter, because it is addressed to a. Stay connected amidst social distancing receive weekly scripture encouragement to share with family and friends. Of course, philemon already owed paul his own life 5. The epistle of philemon was written by the apostle paul while imprisoned in rome. The epistle to titus was written in approximately a. There may be two purposes for paul having written the book of ephesians. Forgiveness shines like a brilliant light throughout the bible, and one of its brightest spots is the tiny book of philemon. Paul does not insist that philemon free onesimus 21. The book of philemon demonstrates the gospel in action. Probably philemon whose son archippus is supposed to have been was st.
The letter of paul to philemon, brief new testament letter written by paul the apostle to a wealthy christian of colossae, asia minor, on behalf of onesimus, philemons former slave. Both are introduced as coming from both paul and timothy. The deeper meaning in pauls letter to philemon meridian. The letter from paul to philemon was of a very personal nature. When paul sits down to put pen to parchment to write to his friends in galatia, hes not exactly feeling the warm fuzzies for them. The significance of epistolary greetings goes beyond identifying author and audience.
The key personalities of philemon are paul, philemon, and onesimus. Paul wrote this letter to philemon, a believer in colosse who, along with others, was a slave owner cf. The letter to philemon is the shortest of all pauls writings and deals with the practice of slavery. Biblical literature the letter of paul to the colossians. It appears that he was a slave holder before he was saved. Its true that philemon is not a straightforward book of teaching the way many of pauls epistles are, which is why it is classed among the pastoral epistles. Paul, writing from prison, expresses affection for the newly converted onesimus and asks that he be received in the. Philemon definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Paul is one of the most important authors of the bible. In this short letter, paul appeals to philemon to take back his runaway slave, not just as a slave but as a brother in christ. Introduction to the book of philemon heritage christian. What can we learn from this book written nearly 2,000 years ago. Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary galatians. A new testament book containing an epistle from saint paul to philemon asking philemon to forgive the slave for escaping.
Paul was writing philemon as a brother in christ about his slave, onesimus, and now that onesimus had trusted in christ, paul wanted philemon to consider him as a brother in christ. Before paul, ruden argues, a slave was considered subhuman, and entitled to. Letter from paul to philemon, paul, a prisoner of jesus christ, and timothy our brother, unto philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer. Paul does deal with the issue of brotherly love in philemon vv. A runaway slave, onesimus, comes to faith in christ through the ministry of the apostle paul. Study in philemon by edgar pierce exposing the word. There are more old testament citations in hebrews than in any other new testament book. This summary of the book of philemon provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of philemon. Apparently philemon was welltodo, for his home was large enough to accommodate the church assemblies, and he was a slave owner. Philemon 125 niv paul, a prisoner of christ jesus, and. Philemon was a member of the church and a master of slaves. The book of philemon is a masterpiece of grace, tact, and love. Philemon study guide by maximican includes 32 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Forgiveness and reconciliation philemon 125 related media.
The name philemon occurs only once in the bible, namely in the opening line of the book that bears his name. Headings throughout the following book of philemon. The saints met in the home of a man named philemon, who was a convert of paul s on some earlier occasion philemon 19. The heart of pauls letter to philemon is the fellowship that comes from reconciliation. Clearly, a kinship existed between paul and philemon, one that would serve a significant purpose in light of the circumstance that brought about the letter. Sep 28, 2009 2 the reason paul and onesimus connect. In the bible book that bears philemons name, paul addressed his beloved brother as a fellow worker, a title given to those who served for a time alongside paul. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades.
Biblical literature the letter of paul to philemon britannica. But it shows how to address a pastoral situation in a way that reveals important principles that are of use not just in this particular situation but in others as well. This is from the greek agape, a love focused on others, which philemon had previously shared with paul by supporting him and other believers. Philemon was a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home. Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary shmoop. One of the visitors converted under pauls teaching was a man named philemon, a slaveowner from the nearby city of colossae philemon 1. Onesimus was a poor slave, yet paul besought for him as if seeking some great thing for himself. Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents. The book of philemon resonates with an understanding of life jesus set forth in the sermon on the mount. The heart of pauls letter to philemon is the fellowship that comes from. Both paul and onesimus were convinced that the right thing to do was for the latter to return to his master, making right the earlier wrongs.
Book of philippians overview insight for living ministries. Philemon is one of four letters paul wrote from prison. Biblical literature the letter of paul to philemon. Paul, the letters of amazing bible timeline with world history. Philemon greetings though paul was a prisoner of rome, he considered his bonds to be a means of furthering christs cause philemon 1, 9, 10, 2223. The letter to philemon is a brilliant affirmation of christian ethics. In this letter, paul helps his friend philemon to reconcile with his. There is little doubt that paul wrote this epistle, since he refers to himself at least three times in verses 1, 9 and 19. David guzik commentary on pauls letter to philemon, which is a plea to his. Paul met and converted a servant named onesimus to christianity after he escaped from his master philemon who was a member of the church in colosse. The letter to philemon is one of the 4 captivity epistles, along with ephesians, philippians, and colossians in the new testament of the bible.
By receiving onesimus in this way, philemon could give paul joy and a refreshed heart in the lord 20 c. Though onesimus had become dear to him and paul wanted onesimus to stay with him in rome, paul sent him back to philemon with a letter urging philemon to forgive onesimus and treat him as a fellow brother in christ. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian new testament. It would be hard to imagine a more powerful way to describe the affection between paul and his. In colossians paul mentioned that he had heard of the faith of the church and their love for all the saints. In the letter to philemon paul does not directly take up the issue of slavery. He was brought to a knowledge of the gospel through the instrumentality of paul 19, and held a prominent place in the christian community for his piety and beneficence 47. The letter to philemon is the shortest of all paul s writings and deals with the practice of slavery. Philemon the slaveowner and onesimus the runaway slave or bondservant had both been reconciled to god through pauls ministry. Christians should do what may give joy to the hearts of one another.
The book of philemon is a prison epistle letter written while in prison, which paul wrote circa 61 a. Philemon is unusual because it is only one chapter long, and its. Its written to philemon whose slave onesimus ran away and became a believer under paul. He accepted the christian faith as taught by paul and had actually become a convert.
Nov 17, 2015 why did paul write the book of philippians. He accepted the christian faith as taught by paul and had actually become a. The saints met in the home of a man named philemon, who was a convert of pauls on some earlier occasion philemon 19. This book was written by paul while he was in prison around a. The name is given to philemon here and in philemon 1. Philemon the slaveowner and onesimus the runaway slave or bondservant had both been reconciled to god through paul s ministry.
Paul wants philemon to do what he is about to ask, not out of compulsion, but with the love of god in christ. Biblical literature biblical literature the letter of paul to philemon. Yet for loves sake i rather beseech you, being such a one as paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of jesus christ. The authors salutation, however conventional and formal, specifies the nature of the relationship between author and audience and even draws lines around the conversation being carried on by the letter in hand. Pauls letter to philemon historical background kingdom. Perhaps the greatest of all points paul makes in this book is the fact that it is by grace you have been. The book of philemon gives us insight as to how these words in colossians are to be applied to daily living. The book is a very personal letter sent from the apostle paul see philemon 1,9,19 to his friend and son in the faith philemon. Philemon was the recipient of one of paul s epistles in the new testament.
Philemon was paul s son in the faith, yet he entreated him as a brother. An argument of the book of philemon related media being encouraged by the reports of spiritual effectiveness in philemon s life, paul requests of him to graciously receive his runaway slave, onesimus, as a fellow believer and partner in the gospel ministry in accordance with the love that he has shown to other believers and the grace which he. It was also intended for reading to the entire church that met in philemons home. Sarah ruden, in her paul among the people 2010, argues that in the letter to philemon, paul created the western conception of the individual human being, unconditionally precious to god and therefore entitled to the consideration of other human beings. So paul wrote a letter and told onesimus to take it to philemon. Paul s letter to a member of the church known as philemon is the shortest book in the bible. The book of philemon illustrates that principles like these can and should profoundly affect the lives of believers. Paul is the one who introduced philemon to the good news of jesus christ. Pauls letter to philemon was to display gods not being any respecter of persons by saying to philemon that he should have a relationship with his slave onesimus like that of a brother in christ just as paul was to philemon 1. Paul confesses his regular prayers for philemon, and compliments him on his love, faith, and willingness to share his faith. The book of philemon is a practical application of the teachings paul wrote in his letter to the colossian church, especially colossians chapter 3.
This transformation of paul s theology would appear to be somewhat later than paul, yet not so much later than philemon, and its import has been forgotten. This section also suggests that philemon had provided financial assistance to paul in the past philemon 1. Apr 11, 2019 forgiveness shines like a brilliant light throughout the bible, and one of its brightest spots is the tiny book of philemon. Though pauls letter to philemon is very brief, it is packed with rich nuggets of.
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