Philemon: Introduction

An imprisoned Paul dictating a letter to Timothy

Philemon: Introduction October 7 2024

I just finished a study of Philemon as I’m working my way through a three book commentary[1].  Honestly, after I got a few verses in I found myself go on autopilot.  That is pretty much what Philemon has been to me over the years: a quick read I can check off if I’m doing a “Read Through the Bible in a Year” or, in the study I’m doing, something to get through fast so I can get into Ephesians.  If you went to Howell’s Mills Christian Assembly in the late 80’s or early 90’s and remember the points system for campers, memorizing Philemon in five verse segments could score you massive points in the Bible category.[2]  It is one of those overlooked books that most of us would have problems finding in the Bible, much less be able to talk about how it applies to our lives.  But if “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”[3] then I decided I needed to slow down, really think/pray about what I was studying, and give it the time it deserved.  When I did, I think the Holy Spirit showed me a couple of things that I’ve been missing over the years. 

Philemon was probably written in the early AD 60’s, at the same time the letter to the Colossians was written.  Like other Pauline letters, it was dictated to an amanuensis, or scribe- in this case, Timothy[4].  To prove this and other letters’ authenticity, Paul would typically write a few lines in his own hand so the readers would know it was from him[5].  The use of a scribe was a necessity, as Paul was in prison[6] when he wrote this letter.  It is, for the most part, a personal letter to a wealthy Christian from Colossae (Philemon[7]) about his slave, Onesimus[8].  At some point, Onesimus had fled from his master, possibly taking valuables or money from him and had either been imprisoned with Paul or been introduced to Paul.  Onesimus has subsequently been converted to Christianity and had served Paul in some capacity while he was incarcerated.  This was a serious concern in the Roman Empire, which was always concerned about slave rebellions.  It was considered a capital offense, and Philemon had the right to select whatever punishment he saw fit.[9]  But Paul encouraged Onesimus to return to Philemon[10], even though he might face loss of freedom, punishment or even death, in obedience to his new “master” Jesus Christ.  The letter to Philemon is Paul asking[11] him to not only accept Onesimus back and forgive him, but to send him back to Paul so they could continue working together for God’s glory. It was a big request, but within the letter, Paul makes the argument that it is one that should be granted because of how Christians should treat one another.

Next time we will get a little deeper into the text and see what lessons God’s Word might have for us.  We hope you are having a great week and please let us know if there is anything you need or anyway we can pray for you.  – FCC Grayson Men’s Ministry

[1] F.F. Bruce’s The Epistles to the Colossians to Philemon and to the Ephesians from The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT).  Having worked through a few books of the NICNT and the NICOT (the Old Testament), I really recommend them.

[2] 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 and 3 John were also big scorers

[3] 2 Timonthy 3.16

[4] See 1.1

[5] See v.19, which was very important as Paul promises Philemon an IOU of sorts.  Just my opinion, but I feel these “I write this with my own hand” sections are great anecdotal evidence for the authenticity of the books

[6] There is a debate if he was in prison at Rome or Ephesus at the time.  Paul, who calls himself an “old man” in v. 9, was probably around 60 years old at this point in his life

[7] Some scholars believe Apphia and Archippus from v. 2 are his wife and son and that both were working actively in the Colossian church that met in their home.  In addition to a church in their home, Philemon may have helped with ministry in the greater Lycus Valley (see “partner” in v 17).  Everything suggests he was what we might refer to today as a “pillar” of the early church.

[8] The name means “profitable” or “useful”.  It was a common name for slaves at the time. Not to spoil the story, but Philemon apparently sets Onesimus free and forgives him.  In fact, there is evidence to suggest that Onesimus later became an important leader in the early church, rising to an equivalent of a bishop or elder of the church/churches in Ephesus.

[9] See Oxford Companion to the Bible pgs 589&590 and 701&702 for more.  If you are interested in more on Paul’s views on slavery, see 1 Corinthians 7.20-24

[10] See Col 4.9

[11] See v 13&14