Key Names: Paul, Onesimus, Philemon
The letter to the Philemon is the shortest of all Paul’s writings and deals with the practice of slavery. The letter suggests that Paul was in prison at the time of the writing. Philemon was a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home. During the time of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, Philemon had likely travelled to the city, heard Paul’s preaching and became a Christian. The slave Onesimus robbed his master, Philemon and ran away making his way to Rome and Paul. Onesimus was still the property of Philemon, and Paul wrote to smooth the way for his return to his master. Through Paul’s witnessing to him, Onesimus became a Christian (Phil 10) and Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ and not merely a slave.
The account of Philemon is a picture of the grace of God in contrast to the law. The Roman and Mosaic law of the Old Testament grants Philemon the right to punish his slave Onesimus but grace through our Lord Jesus Christ allowed both master and slave to fellowship in love on an equal basis in the body of Christ.
Key Versus: 1:1; 9-12
Blessings
Apostle John