Philemon
Authorship and Recipients
This letter clearly shows Pauline authorship, as was also shown in the close connection to Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Here in this short letter Paul three times names himself as the author of the letter, and even writes this letter with His own hand: “I, Paul, am writing with my own hand” (19 - cf. 1, 9).
Of the thirteen letters of Paul preserved for us in the New Testament, only four of them were written to individuals (Philemon, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus). Paul addresses this letter in the opening verses: “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1-3). In addition to Philemon, the letter is also addressed to Apphia, Archippus and to the church in his house. It is generally held that Apphia was Philemon’s wife, and Archippus was Philemon’s son, who also served as the pastor to the congregation meeting in Philemon’s home (cf. Colossians 4:17).
Of all of the letters written by the Apostle Paul, this one is the shortest and the most personal. Even though it was also addressed to the other members who met at Philemon’s house, the letter deals with a personal matter, and includes no other general or doctrinal instruction for the church as all of Paul’s other letters did (even his letters to Timothy and Titus, though written to individuals contained a large amount of advice and doctrinal instruction for the church).
Just because this letter was written to an individual by the name of Philemon, and has no specific doctrinal instruction for the church does not mean that it is unimportant or has nothing to say to us today. This small letter of Paul to Philemon is often forgotten about because of its size and content, but we need to remember that this letter was also inspired by God and has been preserved for our study and strengthening today as well.
Background
At the time that Paul wrote this letter he was in prison in Rome. As you read through this short letter you will notice how often Paul refers to his imprisonment. Twice Paul calls himself a prisoner (“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus” [v.1] and “Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” [v.9] ), and twice he refers to his chains (“my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” [v.10] and “that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel” [v.13] - for more on this imprisonment see our study on Colossians).
We know nothing about Philemon other than what is recorded in this short epistle. Paul addresses him as “our beloved friend and fellow laborer” (v.1), and “brother” (v.7, 20). Philemon may have been brought to faith though the ministry of Paul during his three year stay at Ephesus during the third missionary journey, since Paul refers a personal debt that Philemon owes him: “I will repay----not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides” (v.19). After his conversion, the Lord had used Philemon to strengthen those already in the faith and to bring the gospel to others as well. In this Paul greatly rejoices, saying, “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (v.7).
Purpose
Paul’s purpose in writing this letter was to intercede with his Christian friend Philemon on behalf of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had been a slave of Philemon’s who had run away and by the providence of God had met up with Paul during his imprisonment. During this time, Onesimus had come to faith in Christ, and had become very helpful to Paul while in prison. Paul speaks of the close bond that had been formed between himself and Onesimus saying, “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me” (v.10-11 - verse eleven seems to be a play on words by Paul, since the name Onesimus means “useful” or “profitable”). Paul also goes on to tell Philemon that things have changed in his relationship with Onesimus because of his faith: “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave----a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (v.15-16).
This epistle, written as an intercession between and master and slave, is a wonderful sermon on Christian love. Paul urges Philemon not to treat returning Onesimus with cruelty or harshness, but to show forgiveness and Christian love towards his new brother in Christ. While the slave / master relationship still existed, Paul also reminds Philemon that Onesimus is now his Christian brother. This entire letter emphasizes the forgiving love of Christ and how it should be our focus even in seemingly insignificant matters of our lives. We would do well to imitate the apostle’s example of love as we deal with each other as fellow believers in Christ.
Luther on Philemon
“This epistle presents a masterful, lovely example of Christian love. For here we see how St. Paul takes the poor Onesimus under his wing and entreats his master in every way he can, and deports himself as if he himself were Onesimus who had fallen into sin. Still he does not use force or compulsion, as he might have had the right to do, but he forgets about his rights, in order that he may move Philemon also to give up his rights. Just as Christ has done with us before God the Father, so Paul does with Onesimus before Philemon. For Christ has also given up His rights and with His love and humility has won over the Father, so that He has had to give up His wrath and His rights, and receive us in grace for Christ’s sake, — He who so earnestly intercedes for us and receives us so heartily. For we are all His Onesimuses, if we but would believe it.”
Slavery and the Bible
Throughout history many have condemned slavery as being wrong and cruel. Some have even used the Bible to support these ideas. But as we study God’s Word, we do not find that God condemns slavery, but only abuse within slavery. Let’s look at what God tells us about slavery in His Word:
➜ “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 3:22-4:1).
➜ “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:9-10).
➜ “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:18-20).
➜ “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called” (1 Corinthians 7:20-24).
Outline
Theme: A Sermon on Christian LoveI.Salutation (1-3)
II. Paul’s Love for Philemon (4-7)
III. Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus (8-22)
IV. Personal Greetings and Benediction (23-25)