Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The Epistle of Paul to Philemon is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of only one chapter with 25 verses. Despite its brevity, it is a profound letter that provides insight into early Christian relationships, the transformative power of the Gospel, and the application of Christian love and forgiveness. The letter is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul and is addressed to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. Authorship and Date: The Apostle Paul is universally recognized as the author of this epistle. The letter is believed to have been written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. This dating is supported by the references to Paul's imprisonment and his companions, such as Timothy, who is mentioned in the opening verse. Recipients: The primary recipient of the letter is Philemon, a wealthy Christian and a member of the church in Colossae. Philemon is described as a beloved fellow worker, indicating his active role in the early Christian community. The letter is also addressed to Apphia, likely Philemon's wife, Archippus, possibly his son or a fellow minister, and the church that meets in Philemon's house. Purpose and Themes: The central purpose of the letter is to appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian under Paul's ministry. Onesimus had wronged Philemon, possibly by theft, and fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul. The apostle writes to encourage Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a returning slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. Key themes in the epistle include: 1. Christian Brotherhood and Equality: Paul emphasizes the new relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, highlighting the spiritual equality of all believers. In Philemon 1:16, Paul writes, "No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord." 2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The letter is a powerful example of the Christian call to forgive and reconcile. Paul gently urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to restore their relationship, reflecting the forgiveness believers receive through Christ. 3. Intercession and Advocacy: Paul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, offering to repay any debt Onesimus owes to Philemon. This act mirrors Christ's intercession for humanity, as Paul writes in Philemon 1:18-19, "But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it." 4. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: Onesimus's conversion and subsequent return to Philemon illustrate the transformative impact of the Gospel. The letter underscores the change in status and heart that occurs when one becomes a follower of Christ. Structure: The epistle follows a typical structure of ancient letters, beginning with a greeting (Philemon 1:1-3), followed by thanksgiving and prayer (Philemon 1:4-7), the main body of the appeal (Philemon 1:8-21), and concluding with final greetings and a benediction (Philemon 1:22-25). Significance: The Epistle to Philemon is significant for its personal and pastoral nature, offering a glimpse into the interpersonal dynamics of the early church. It challenges believers to live out their faith in practical ways, demonstrating love, forgiveness, and unity within the body of Christ. The letter also provides a biblical perspective on the institution of slavery, emphasizing the spiritual equality and dignity of every individual in Christ. Smith's Bible Dictionary the Epistle of Paul To Philemonis one of the letters which the apostle wrote during his first captivity at Rome A.D. 63 or early in A.D. 64. Nothing is wanted to confirm the genuineness of the epistle: the external testimony is unimpeachable; nor does the epistle itself offer anything to conflict with this decision. The occasion of the letter was that Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, had run away from him to Rome, either desiring liberty or, as some suppose, having committed theft. (Philemon 1:18) Here he was converted under the instrumentality of Paul. The latter; intimately connected with the master and the servant, was naturally anxious to effect a reconciliation between them. He used his influence with Onesimus, ver. 12, to induce him to return to Colosse and place himself again at the disposal of his master. On his departure, Paul put into his hand this letter as evidence that Onesirnus was a true and approved disciple of Christ, and entitled as such to received, not as a servant but above a servant, as a brother in the faith. The Epistle to Philemon has one peculiar feature --its aesthetical character it may be termed --which distinguishes it from all the other epistles. The writer had peculiar difticulties to overcame; but Paul, it is confessed, has shown a degree of self-denial and a fact in dealing with them which in being equal to the occasion could hardly be greater. Library The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ... The Epistle to Philemon. The Epistle to Philemon Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... The Epistle to Philemon this Epistle not Mutilated. Marcion's ... Homilies on Gal, Eph, Phi, Col, Thess, Tim, Titus, and Philemon The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians Christianity and Slavery. Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ... Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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