Running head: THE BOOK OF PHILEMON 1

The Book of Philemon

Ramona Torres-Martinez

Instructor: Dr. Rick Treatch, Ed.D

Fresno Pacific University

BIB 438 Biblical Perspectives for Educator

August 13, 2017

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The Book of Philemon

The book of Philemon is about the Apostle Paul conveying the message of reconciliation

through forgiveness and demonstrating respect for other human beings out of love for God. This

paper will examine this topic through a historical, literary, and contemporary analysis. The

conclusion will apply a practical application of forgiving and reconciling with others in the

community as well as having respect for other individuals in society.

To have a better understanding of the historical context of the book of Philemon it is

essential to comprehend the cultural background and location during the time that Paul wrote the

letter to Philemon. The books in the New Testament reflect the cultural and economical

background of the Roman Empire that was present during the time that Paul wrote the letter to

Philemon (Coogan, 2010). The economical system in the Roman Empire consisted of the profit

from producing crops and the fishing industry (Coogan, 2010). The other part of the economical

system was the market of trading which involved merchants traveling to other region and other

merchants traveling into the Roman Empire to do business (Coogan, 2010). Paul was among the

population of trading merchants as he travelled spreading the gospel of God to the Gentiles

around the time of 41 CE (Coogan, 2010).

In the beginning of the book of Philemon, Paul mentions that he is a prisoner of Christ

(Philemon 1:1). Paul chosen by God to be a servant and spread the gospel was arrested upon

entering Rome without a distinct cause and was under the supervision of a guard (Acts 28:16-

20). This demonstrates a relationship to his statement at the beginning of the book of Philemon

when he states that he is prisoner which associates with Paul being detained because of his

religious beliefs.
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The location of Philemon is not stated in the letter but one of the recipients Archippus is

mentioned in Pauls letter to the Colossians as he reminds him of his pending task assigned by

God (Col. 4:17). Pauls reference of Archippus in Colossians creates a connection between the

recipients of the letter to the city of Colossae which was founded by another fellow Christian,

Epaphras mentioned in the final greeting of the letter (Berenson, 2010). Another reference that

connects Philemon to the city of Colossae is when Paul in the letter mentions that he sending

Onesimus back (Philemon 1:12). Paul in the letter to the Colossians mentions that Onesimus is

travelling back to Colossae along with Tychicus (Col. 4:7-9).

The text in the book of Philemon references without discussing in detail the institution of

slavery by referring to Onesimus as Philemons slave (Philemon 1:16). The institution of slavery

in the Roman world was part of the cultural norms that were part of society and slavery was not

frown upon or condemned (Fee and Stuart). In the letter to Philemon, Paul does not criticize or

judge slavery, he simply makes the request to Philemon to accept Onesimus back and consider

him more than just a slave (Philemon 1:16). Onesimus is still to remain a slave but Paul want

Philemon to treat him like other fellow Christian believers because they are now both brothers in

Christ. In relation to this text, Galatians 3:28, makes reference that under Christ every person is

equal regardless of their status in society or gender because faith joins Christians into one.

Onesimus the slave who was in the company of Paul surrounding the time that the letter

was written returned to his master after he has been converted to Christianity (Mitchell, 2010).

The reason for Onesimus being in prison with Paul is not stated in the letter by there are two

possible. One of the reasons being that Onesimus ran away because of a conflict that caused

financial lost to Philemon or that he was sent by Philemon to be Pauls servant in prison

(Mitchell, 2010). Onesimus in presence of Paul inquires his assistance and advice to help him
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with the dispute with his master Philemon (Mitchell, 2010). In the letter Paul states to Philemon

that if Onesimus has done anything to offend him or owes him anything that he will repay the

debt (Philemon 1:18-19).

The Onesimus returns to Philemon with the letter from Paul because he was still

considered a slave and was required to respect his master as to honor God (1 Tim. 6:1-2). The

masters also had the task of providing fair and adequate treatment to the slave because they too

had a master which was God (Colossians 4:1). In the text of the letter to Philemon, Paul mention

that he is sending back Onesimus and states his desire to keep for his service but that he cannot

do that without having his approval (Philemon 12-14).

The Book of Philemon also describes the power and authority structure of the Roman

world. Pauls authority is that of a servant of God making a plea on behalf of Onesimus and

partner in faith of Philemon. Philemons authority and power in society is not clearly stated in

the book of Philemon but Paul does make reference to the church meeting in his house

(Philemon 1:2). The house of Philemon most likely was large enough to accommodate all the

members that were part of the church that met in his home. The custom of the church meeting in

the home of a Christian believer was a characteristic of the first century church. In Pauls first

letter to the Corinthians he also mentions the church meeting in the homes of Aquila and Prisca

(1 Cor. 16:19). A second reference to the early church meeting in the home of Aquila and Prisca

is mentioned in Pauls letter to the Romans. This compares to Pauls reference of the church

meeting in Philemons home.

The literary study of the book of Philemon seeks to examine the writing style used by

Paul. It also aims to examine the text and terms used to create an understanding of Pauls
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perception and intended message. The literary study also provides essential information of the

interaction and relationship between the writer and the recipient of the letter.

First of all to better understanding the literary context and style of the book of Philemon

it is essential to comprehend the religious Pauls background and appointment as an apostle by

God. Paul originally named Saul had Jewish roots and before being chosen by God to become

an apostle he was a Pharisee that prosecuted Christian believers to safeguard Gods law

according to his own religious beliefs (Grimsrud, 2011). Pauls life was changed as he was

chosen by God during his journey to visit the city of Damascus. Paul encountered the presence of

God and chosen to become an apostle with the task to preach and share the gospel with the

Gentiles (Galatians 1:13-17).

The literary style that Paul utilizes to communicate with Philemon is in the form of a

pastoral epistle (Perkins, 2011). The purpose of the epistles written by Paul was to deliver

understanding to either an individual or a group of people in a particular situation or address

certain behaviors that needed to be corrected (Fee & Stuart, 2014.p. 60). In the case with the

letter to Philemon, Paul was delivering the understanding that Onesimus was no longer just a

slave but now also a Christian (Philemon 1:16).

The writing format of Pauls letter to Philemon follows the traditional style of epistles.

The epistle style included the name of the writer, the recipient followed by then a greeting, then a

prayer or blessing before discussing the of the epistle in the main body (Fee & Stuart, 2014).

The epistle would conclude with a final salutation and farewell to the recipients mentioned in the

beginning.

The pastoral epistle to Philemon opens with Paul listing the names of the recipients which

included Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church (Philemon 1:1-2). Then Paul follows
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with a greeting that made reference to God and Christ Jesus (Perkins, 2010). Paul implemented

the same writing style in other epistles that he authored. For example in the epistles to the

Philippians and Colossians, Paul also opens the letters with a greeting similar to the one in

Philemon (Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2). The prayer that followed the greeting was lengthy

and it gave thanks to God on behalf of Philemon (Philemon 1:2-7). The apostle Paul emphasizes

in this section that he remembers about Philemon during his prayer time and prays that Philemon

will share his faith in Jesus Christ with others (Philemon 1:4-6). After the formal greeting and

prayer had been introduced the actual purpose or request of the epistle was stated. In the epistle

to Philemon Paul states his request by using the terms for this reason as means to persuade

Philemon to welcome Onesimus by at his side and accept him as a new brother in Christ

(Philemon 1:8). As the epistle continues to present the request to Philemon is uses the term

perhaps to communicate the idea that it was through Gods intervention that Onesimus was

converted and now is able to serve both as a slave and as a Christian (Philemon 1:15). Paul also

uses the words so if you consider me your partner (Philemon 1: 17) to describe the relationship

between him and Philemon. Paul also uses this term in verse to emphasize that he considers

Philemon a partner on a personal level because of the bond that was established when Paul

converted him to Christianity. If Philemon recognizes and accepts Paul as a partner, then he

should be willing to do the same for Onesimus because he is now a partner in faith and a convert

of Paul.

Towards the end of the epistle Paul, informs about his future plans to travel to the place

where Philemon is located (Philemon 1:22). To conclude the letter Paul ends the letter with a

final greeting from other fellow Christians that were mentioned in the beginning of the letter

(Perkins). Paul typically concluded other epistles in the same manner that he closed the letter to
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Philemon (Romans 16:21-23). Lastly, Paul had to find a way of sending the epistle to the

intended recipient and in the case of Philemon it was sent with Onesimus on his way back to his

master (Perkins, 2010).

The contemporary world analysis of the book of Philemon seeks to examine the original

meaning. It also aims to examine the lesson that Paul intended to teach the original audience.

The contemporary study also seeks to examine the book of Philemon and provide essential

information on how Pauls lesson applies to the modern day.

Pauls purpose for the letter is to try to get Philemon to forgive and reconcile by

accepting Onesimus back into his service after he was absent (Philemon 1:16). Paul is also

trying to get Philemon to perceive and treat Onesimus equally because they both now are brother

through Christ (Philemon 1:16). Pauls main message in Philemon and in other of his epistles is

to bring awareness of obedience through faith (Romans 1:5-6). Another thing that Paul is trying

to do is have Philemon forgive Onesimus because of any wrongdoing and recognize him as a

member of the Christian faith because for the Lord this is no distinction among his believers and

he is kind to those who seek him (Romans 10:12). Pauls focus is to address his plea to

Philemon personally because even though it is not stated directly in the letter Paul disagrees with

social dominance to others especially with members of the Christian community (Coogan 2010).

Paul as an apostle of God intended to communicate the message that Christian believers and

nonbelievers should work to become one through Gods grace while setting aside the law in

society (Fee & Stuart, 2014).

The message of the book of Philemon is still relevant today even though we have slavery.

The lesson of forgiveness and reconciliation can still be applied to the lives of the people in

modern day society. In todays world people still have disagreements and commit wrong doings
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against others. Just like Onesimus become more than a slave to Philemon (Philemon 1:16),

people that accept Christ into their lives can also be of service to other in a new way by

communicating Gods grace.

The book of Philemon is about the Apostle Paul conveying the message of reconciliation

through forgiveness and demonstrating respect for other human beings out of love for God. Paul

through the pastoral epistle to Philemon pleaded on behalf of Onesimus for his forgiveness and

acceptance as a fellow Christian back into the service of Philemon (Philemon, NRSV). Pauls

epistle intended to convey the message that other Christians regardless of their social status or

position in society should be treated with respect because under God all fellow Christians

become one (Fee &Stuart, 2014).

The practical application and implications of the book of Philemon can be applied to

ones personal and work life. In the personal life one can apply the message of forgiveness and

reconciliation with family members and people in the community. One should forgive the wrong

doing of others and reconcile because God does the same with us. In ones work the message of

Philemon can also be applied. As an educator, I can use the book of Philemon to understand that

having respect for others is important in building relationships and also building a strong

community. Being able to forgive oneself when mistakes are done at work or learning to ask for

forgiveness is also an important lesson that can be taken from Philemon.

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References

Berenson, J. K. (2010). Colossians. In M.D. Coogan (ED.), The New Oxford annotated Bible (4th
ed.), (p.2067). Oxford: Oxford University Press
Coogan, C.D. (2010). The Ancient Near East. In M.D. Coogan (ED.), The New Oxford
annotated Bible (4th ed.), (p.2248). Oxford: Oxford University Press
Fee, D. G. (2014). How to Read the Bible for all its worth. (4th ed.), Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Zondervan
Grimsrud, T. (2011). Gods Healing Strategy. Telford, PA: Cascadia Publishing House LLC

Mitchell, M.M. (2010). Philemon. In M.D. Coogan (ED.), The New Oxford annotated Bible (4th
ed.), (p.2100). Oxford: Oxford University Press
Perkins, P. (2010). Letters/Epistles in the New Testament. In M.D. Coogan (ED.), The New
Oxford annotated Bible (4th ed.), (p.1973-1974). Oxford: Oxford University Press
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The heart in the symbol represents Gods community of believers. The break in the middle of

the heart represents the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. They both are connected

by Gods love but still separate because of the Onesimus status as a slave. The represents arrows

represent forgiveness and reconciliation. The arrows pushing up into the heart represent the

concept that through forgives and reconciliation both can become one sharing the same faith for

God.