Bible Book: Philemon

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: Paul

Type of Book: Epistle

Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-3)
Appreciation for Philemon (1:4-7)
Thanksgiving for His Love (1:4-5)
Prayer for His Testimony (1:6)
Joy for His Encouragement (1:7)
Appeal for Onesimus (1:8-21)
A Request Rather Than a Command (1:8-11)
The Motives for Sending Onesimus Back (1:12-16)
A Personal Request and Promise (1:17-19)
A Positive Response Expected From Philemon (1:20-21)
Closing Matters (1:22-25)
Hope for an Upcoming Visit (1:22)
Greetings from Paul’s Companions (1:23-24)
Benediction (1:25)

Theme: Reconciliation and Doing What is Right

Date of Writing: c. A.D. 62

Background
    Paul wrote this “prison letter” (vv. 1, 9) as a personal request to a man named Philemon. It was most likely written during Paul’s first imprisonment at Rome (Ac 28:16-31). The identical names mentioned in Philemon (vv. 1-2, 10, 23-24) and Colossians (Col 4:9-10, 12, 14, 17) suggest that Philemon lived in Colosse and that both letters were written and delivered at the same time.
    This letter concerns two men: Philemon, a slave owner (v. 16; see Col 3:22, note; Tit 2:10, note on slaves) and church member at Colosse (compare vv. 1-2 with Col 4:17), whom Paul may have led to faith in Christ (v. 19); and Onesimus, Philemon’s slave who had run away to Rome for freedom. While in Rome, Onesimus came into contact with Paul, who led him to Christ. Afterwards, a strong bond of friendship developed between Paul and Onesimus (vv. 9-13). Paul now reluctantly sends Onesimus, along with Tychicus, Paul’s co-worker, back to Philemon. Tychicus personally delivers this powerful little letter of appeal to Philemon (cf. Col 4:7-9).

Purpose
Paul wrote Philemon to deal with the specific issue of his runaway slave, Onesimus. According to Roman law, a runaway slave could be punished by death. Paul pleads on Onesimus’ behalf and asks Philemon to graciously receive his servant back as a fellow Christian and as Paul’s companion. He asks Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same love and consideration he would show to Paul himself.

Survey
This letter is organized very tactfully, in a structure resembling the writing style taught by many ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport (vv. 4-10), to persuade the mind (vv. 11-19) and to move the emotions (vv. 20-21). Paul’s appeal (i.e., plea, request) to Philemon goes as follows: (1) He makes his plea to Philemon as a fellow Christian (vv. 8-9, 20-21), asking him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ (vv. 15-16). (2) In a wordplay, Paul suggests that Onesimus (whose name means “useful”) was formerly “useless,” but now is truly “useful” to both Paul and Philemon (vv. 10-12). (3) Paul wishes that Onesimus could remain with him in Rome to help him with practical needs while he is imprisoned, but he feels obligated to send him back to his lawful master (vv. 13-14). (4) Paul offers himself as a debtor for any loss suffered because of Onesimus’ absence, and he reminds Philemon of how he is in debt spiritually to Paul (vv. 17-19). The letter concludes with greetings from other co-workers that labor in Rome with Paul (vv. 23-24), as well as with a benediction (v. 25).

Special Features
Three major features characterize this letter. (1) This is the shortest of all Paul’s letters. (2) More than any other NT portion, it illustrates how Paul and the early church dealt with the problem of Roman slavery. Rather than attacking it directly or stirring up armed rebellion, Paul defined Christian principles that removed the harshness of Roman slavery and shifted attention to godly character development among those involved. In time, this approach and these principles led to the banishment of slavery within Christianity. (3) It provides unique insight into Paul’s inner life, as he identifies himself with a slave so closely that he calls Onesimus “my very heart” (v. 12).

Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.