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Author |
Paul the Apostle |
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Date |
Between A.D. 60 and 61 |
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Title |
Refers to the addressee of this letter: Philemon |
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Background |
Philemon is a wealthy Christian slave owner from Colosse. One of these slaves, Onesimus, and runs away to Rome (and most likely steals some of his master's property before he leaves). While in Rome, Onesimus becomes a believer after hearing the Gospel from Paul. (Paul had also converted Philemon.) Paul enjoys having Onesimus with him, but he knows the right thing to do is to send Onesimus home to his lawful owner, Philemon. Paul sends Onesimus home with this letter, accompanied by Tychicus, call to forgiveness. The book of Philemon, along with Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians, is one of Paul's “Prison Epistles.” |
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Where |
Rome, while Paul is under house arrest |
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To Whom |
Philemon. Also to Apphia and Archippus (probably Philemon's wife and son), and to the church at Colosse, which meets at Philemon's home. |
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Content |
The shortest of Paul's letters, the book of Philemon is a striking analogy to the redemption story of the Gospel. Paul has converted a runaway slave of another of Paul’s converts. In this letter, he pleads with Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to restore him beyond his original position as a slave. Now he can be a Christian brother, useful to all members of the church. Philemon is reminded of his debt to Paul, but still Paul offers to repay for any loss of Philemon's. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Slave”; “Profitable.” Paul is spiritually a prisoner of Jesus Christ and physically in the bondage of a Roman prison, so he understands Onesimus' debt as a “slave” to Philemon. In verse 11 Paul plays upon the word “profitable,” which is the meaning of the name “Onesimus” and which, indeed, all Christians are. |
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