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Philemon was written by Paul around 61. Like the other Epistles, Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians, Philemon is one of the Prison Epistles. Philemon was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
This letter is a very personal letter and directed toward Philemon in reference to his slave Onesimus. Philemon was a citizen of Colosse. Philemon was also a person of notable stature and great wealth. He was also a Christian and knew of the ways of God. Onesimus was the slave of Philemon. Onesimus, though, ran away from his master. He ran away ending up in Rome. Onesimus was a convert to Christianity having received his conversion through the ministry of Paul. Paul kept Onesimus with him until he felt that his conversion was complete. Once Paul felt that Onesimus was sincere in his belief by correcting the wrong he did to his master by running away Paul said he would write a letter for him. Onesimus told Paul though that he feared death because that was the punishment for a slave that had run away from his master. Paul wrote to Philemon the most beautiful of all writings showing a great and compassionate love for all.
Paul not only wrote in defense of Onesimus in this letter to Philemon but he wrote for all slaveholders. Paul knew that Philemon was a Christian man and he knew there were many other Christian slaveholders and so this letter was in response to all of them. This letter sets forth guidelines for all Christian slaveholders.
As Paul sets out in his writing, he explains to Philemon that he is not questioning the authority and rights of him as Onesimus’ master but that Christian brotherhood and love should be shown to all slaves. Paul also offered to pay all money owed by Onesimus from his own pocket. Because of this beautiful missive from Paul to Onesimus it is believed that Philemon set Onesimus free and that Onesimus became a minister and later in life an elder at the church in Ephesus.
An Outline to Philemon:
Greetings 1:1-3
A. Paul opens this letter saying he is a prisoner of Christ
B. Paul addresses Timothy, Philemon, Apphia and Archippus (Apphia believed to be the wife of Philemon and Archippus their son)
Praise for Philemon 1:4-7
A. Paul praises Philemon’s love and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and to all peoples.
B. Paul tells Philemon that he has great love and joy in knowing him
Paul’s plea to Philemon for Onesimus 1:8-17
A. Paul approaches Philemon through the love of Christ speaking of Philemon’s
1. Love
2. Goodness
B. Paul calls Onesimus a beloved brother
C. Paul asks Philemon to accept Onesimus’ plea for forgiveness and apology
Paul makes a pledge to Philemon
A. Paul says if Onesimus owes Philemon anything to charge that amount to Paul’s account
B. Paul says it would refresh and renew is strength and faith in Christ to see Philemon forgive Onesimus
Paul’s closing words were of a personal nature
A. It seems that Philemon was converted under Paul’s ministry also
B. Paul tells Philemon that he desires to be released unto him and wishes grace and peace upon Philemon
Resources:
KJV Holy Bible
NIV Holy Bible
Sermon Notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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