Philemon

[Rob Morgan]

Philemon:

This briefest of Paul’s epistles (only 334 words in the Greek text) is o model of courtesy, discretion, and loving concern for the forgiveness of one who would otherwise face the sentence of death. This tactful and highly personal letter can be divided into three components: prayer of thanksgiving for Philemon (vv. 1-7); petition of Paul for Onesimus (vv. 8-.l6); promise of Paul to Philemon (vv. 17-25).

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Philemon (vv. I -7): Writing this letter as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" Paul addresses it personally to Philemon (a Christian leader in Colossae), to Apphia ond Archippus (evidently Philemon’s wife and son), as well as to the church that meets in Philemon's house. The main body of this compact letter begins with a prayer of thanksgiving for Philemon’s faith and love.

Petition of Paul for Onesimus (vv. - 8-16): Basing his appeal on Philemon's character, Paul refuses to command Philemon to pardon and receive Onesimus. Instead, Paul seeks to persuade his friend of his Christian responsibility to forgive even as he was forgiven by Christ. Paul urges Philemon not to punish Onesimus but to receive him "no longer as a slave" but as a "beloved brother" (v. l6).

Promise of Paul to Philemon (w. 17-25): Paul places Onesimus’ debt on his account, but then reminds Philemon of the greater spiritual debt which Philemon himself owes as a convert to Christ (vv. 17 -19). Paul closes this effective epistle with o hopeful request (v.22), greetings from his companions (vv. 23-24), and a benediction (v. 25). The fact that it was preserved indicates Philemon's favorable response to Paul’s pleas.

[christine ashton]

It is very overlooked, yet a very important story. It is just like other Christians. We deserve death for our sins, but Jesus took them all away. He paid our price. We are also no longer slaves to sin, but we are now set free in Jesus. We are His friends now, and not even servants.