Paul’s Epistle to Philemon

Title. The title of this letter is the name of the addressee Philemon, taken from verse 1.  Philemon lived in the city of Colossae which was in Asia Minor near Laodicea.  Vs 19 – Philemon had been converted through the preaching of Paul.  He was evidently rather well-to-do and was highly regarded in the city.  A church congregation met in his house.  It is not known if he held an ordained office in the Church. 

Author. Few doubt that Paul wrote this epistle, since he refers to himself in verses 1, 9, & 19.  Its canonicity was widely recognized by early church writers; namely Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, Marcion, and in the Muratorian Canon (c. 180 AD).  Biblical critics do not question its authenticity as a true letter of Paul while they attack the four gospels and other several epistles. 

Purpose.  This epistle is concise and addresses a private subject.  There is no proof or defense of doctrine or of the gospel.  This book is the only private letter of Paul that we have.  Why is it in the Biblical canon?  It serves as a primer of tact and diplomacy. 

Date. Paul was a prisoner at the time (vs. 1, 9, & 23).  This is one of the four “prison epistles” along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.  These were all written by Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 AD). According to Colossians 4:7–9, Onesimus accompanied Tychicus to Colossae.  Paul must have written Colossians and Philemon at approximately the same time.  

Setting. This epistle tells of the interaction between three main characters—Onesimus, Philemon, and Paul. Onesimus, a slave in Colossae, had possibly robbed Philemon, his master (v. 18), and run away. During the course of his flight, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome, and was baptized through the Paul’s ministry. Subsequently, Onesimus became a helper to Paul (vv. 12, 13).

Paul acknowledged Onesimus’ duty to his master and sent him back to Philemon, along with Tychicus, who carried Paul’s letter to the Colossian church at the same time (Col. 4:7–9). In the letter, Paul implores Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as a slave, but as “a brother beloved” (v. 16). In a gracious act of Christian love, Paul expresses his willingness to assume in full any debt of Onesimus: “Put that on mine account” (v. 18).

Outline of Philemon:

1.  Salutation, verses 1–3.
2.  Gives thanks for Philemon, verses 4–7.
3.  Makes his appeal for Onesimus, verses 8–21. 
4.  Conclusion, vs. 22–25.

Lessons to learn from this letter to Philemon:

1.  There is no caste system in the Body of Christ.  (Gal. 3:28). 

Upon conversion, forgiveness and receipt of the HS – all become members of the Body of Christ – irrespective of race, sex, past, or socio-economic background.  In the Church, the terms “master” and “slave” become irrelevant. 

William Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, pp. 306-307. 

“If masters treat slaves as Christ would have treated them, and if slaves serve the masters as they would serve Christ, then the terms master and slave do not matter; their relationship does not depend on any human classification, for they are both in Christ.” 

2.  God’s forgiveness of sin does not automatically erase all consequences. 

One called while in the military must fulfill his/her obligations while seeking a legal discharge.  One called in debt must pay off those debts.  A person called while in jail must serve the rest of their debt to society. 

3.  Restitution is due unless the debt or offense is forgiven. 

Onesimus may have owed money to Philemon that he had to pay off – or Paul would – unless Philemon chose to forgive the debt. 

4.  We are given a ministry of reconciliation. 

We are to do everything possible to reconcile with those with whom we have differences and/or quarrels.  We have such great difficulty in resolving conflicts among brethren.  Paul models for us how to approach another person in love.  Lay a foundation of what we share in common.  Gently bring up the offense.  Lead them to see what they have to do in order to restore the relationship.  (However, we can only do our part in this.) 

5.  Forgive, forget and receive those who repent. 

Paul corrected the Corinthian church members who shunned the fornicator who was suspended but then restored. 

6.  Never use the authority of an office unless is it absolutely necessary. 

This is true at work, among friends, or at home.  Rank stinks!  Walk softly and use authority only when it is absolutely necessary.  Authority means to serve responsibly. 

7.  Philemon gives us unique insight into Paul’s humanity. 

He was a man of love, generosity, warmth, friendship, tact and diplomacy. 

8.  This is an example of how to approach someone under us in responsibility. 

Paul models the proper way of exercising the government of God.  Make it easy for others to live in harmony with God’s government.