Philemon

Philemon, a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, written around AD 60–62 during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, appeals for the reconciliation of Philemon, a Colossian Christian, with his runaway slave, Onesimus, now a believer. Paul expresses gratitude for Philemon’s faith, requests Onesimus’s acceptance as a brother, and offers to repay any debt, emphasizing Christian love and unity.
Key Sections
Greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1–7): Paul, a prisoner of Christ, with Timothy, writes to Philemon, his beloved co-worker, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon’s house, wishing grace and peace. Paul thanks God for Philemon’s love and faith, praying his sharing of faith brings knowledge of every good thing in Christ, as his love has refreshed saints’ hearts.
Appeal for Onesimus (1:8–16): Though Paul could command, he appeals in love, as an aged prisoner, for Onesimus, his child converted in prison, formerly useless but now useful to both. Paul sends him back, though dear to him, hoping Philemon receives him not as a slave but as a beloved brother, perhaps separated providentially for this eternal bond.
Request and Assurance (1:17–22): Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would Paul, offering to repay any debt, noting Philemon owes Paul his own self. Confident in Philemon’s obedience, Paul expects even more, asking for a guest room, hoping through prayers to visit soon.
Greetings and Benediction (1:23–25): Paul sends greetings from Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, his fellow workers. He prays the grace of Christ be with their spirit.
Cross-References
Greeting and Thanksgiving: 
Colossians 1:1–4: Similar greeting.

Philippians 1:3–5: Thankful for faith.

Romans 16:5: Church in house.
Philemon’s Faith: 
Colossians 4:9: Onesimus’s context.

Ephesians 1:15–16: Love and faith.

2 Timothy 1:5: Sincere faith.
Onesimus’s Conversion: 
Colossians 4:9: Faithful brother.

Galatians 3:28: No slave or free.

1 Corinthians 7:22: Freed in Christ.
Appeal in Love: 
2 Corinthians 5:20: Ambassadors for Christ.

Philippians 2:1–2: Unity in love.

Romans 12:10: Brotherly affection.
Repaying Debt: 
Romans 13:8: Owe only love.

2 Corinthians 8:24: Prove love.

Matthew 18:28–30: Forgive debts.
Greetings: 
Colossians 4:10–14: Same co-workers.

Acts 19:29: Aristarchus’s trials.

2 Timothy 4:10–11: Mark, Demas, Luke.
Theological Meaning
Christian Unity: Faith transcends social barriers, making slaves brothers in Christ (1:16; Ephesians 2:14–16).

Love’s Appeal: Gospel love seeks reconciliation, not coercion, reflecting Christ’s humility (1:8–9; Philippians 2:3–4).

Transformative Gospel: Conversion changes relationships, making the “useless” useful (1:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Providence in Suffering: God uses hardship, like Onesimus’s flight, for eternal good (1:15; Romans 8:28).

Forgiveness and Debt: Paul’s offer to pay mirrors Christ’s atonement, urging forgiveness (1:18; Colossians 2:14).

Hope in Fellowship: Prayer and expectation of reunion strengthen communal bonds (1:22; Hebrews 10:24–25).
Questions and Answers
Why write to Philemon (1:1–2)?
To appeal for Onesimus’s acceptance as a brother, not just a slave (1:16; Colossians 4:9).

Who is Onesimus (1:10)?
Philemon’s runaway slave, converted by Paul in prison, now a believer (1:10–11; Colossians 4:9).

Why appeal, not command (1:8–9)?
To model Christian love, encouraging voluntary reconciliation (1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:14).

What does “useless to useful” mean (1:11)?
Onesimus’s conversion transformed him from a liability to a valuable brother (1:11; Ephesians 4:28).

Why offer to pay Onesimus’s debt (1:18)?
To remove barriers to reconciliation, reflecting Christ’s payment for sin (1:18; Romans 5:8).

Who is Archippus (1:2)?
Likely a leader in Philemon’s house church, possibly his son (1:2; Colossians 4:17).

How does this apply today?
Forgive, reconcile, and treat all believers as equals in Christ (1:16; Galatians 6:1–2).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (1:1; Acts 28:16–31), to Philemon in Colossae (Colossians 4:9), linked to the Colossian church (Colossians 4:17). Roman slavery, common in Colossae, frames Onesimus’s status (1:16). Ephesus’s proximity (Acts 19:10) and Paul’s influence there (1:19) shape the context. False teachers in Colossae (Colossians 2:8) highlight the need for gospel unity.

Cultural Questions: “Prisoner” (1:1) reflects Paul’s Roman chains, noble in Colossae’s honor culture (Philippians 1:13). “House church” (1:2) was typical in Colossae’s urban homes (Romans 16:5). “Runaway slave” (1:12) faced severe Roman penalties, making Paul’s appeal bold (Deuteronomy 23:15–16). “Brother” (1:16) subverts Greco-Roman hierarchy, radical in Colossae (Ephesians 6:9). “Debt” (1:18) uses Roman legal terms, resonant in Colossae’s trade hub (Matthew 6:12). “Guest room” (1:22) reflects Greco-Roman hospitality, expected in Colossae (Hebrews 13:2).

Application: Philemon calls believers to reconcile through love, treat all as equals, and trust God’s providence. It challenges prejudice, unforgiveness, and social division, urging gospel-driven unity in a fractured world (Romans 12:10; Colossians 3:13).