BACKGROUND NOTES ON PAUL'S LETTER TO PHILEMON

Author
The author identifies himself as Paul. Philemon is one of his four "Prison Epistles", written while he was imprisoned in his own house in Rome (Acts 28).

Why was it written?
The letter is addressed to Philemon, one of the members of the church in Colosse. One of his slaves, Onesimus, stole money from his master and ran away to Rome. While he was there he came in contact with Paul, and was converted to Christ. His life was radically changed and he became a useful helper to Paul (1:11). However, Paul concluded that the correct thing would be for Onesimus to return to his master. This was risky, as Philemon had the legal right to deal harshly with Onesimus: runaway slaves could be severely flogged when caught.
Paul wrote to Philemon, urging him to forgive Onesimus and treat him as "a brother in the Lord", exactly as he would welcome Paul (1:16, 17).
Onesimus travelled to Colosse with Tychicus, who was responsible to deliver Paul's letters to the churches in Ephesus and Colosse. He also had to return Onesimus to Philemon, together with Paul's letter interceding for the returning slave.

How and when was it written?
Paul wrote the letter with Timothy, probably in AD 61.

First audience and destination:
This letter is a personal appeal on behalf of Onesimus to Philemon, a wealthy Christian from Colosse, and included his wife Apphia and son Archippus. At the time of Paul's writing, he was the host of one of the house-churches in Colosse.

Literary style:
¤ Contains all standard parts of a first-century epistle.
¤ Very personal letter.

Special themes:
¤ Forgiveness
¤ Reconciliation
¤ Paul emphasises love as the basis for relationships among Christians.
¤ The letter asks for forgiveness for Onesimus, but do not negate his financial loss. Paul undertakes to personally repay Philemon for the money stolen by Onesimus.
¤ Gives insight into the early church's approach to slavery, which was widespread in the Roman world.

Special features:
¤ Classic example of a personal communication from the first century.
¤ Shortest of Paul's letters.

General structure:

¤ Greeting and Introduction (Verses 1-3)
» Paul greets Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon's home.

¤ Thanksgiving and Prayer (Verses 4-7)
» Paul expresses gratitude for Philemon's love and faith, praying that his faith will result in effective witness and acknowledging Philemon's positive impact on the church.

¤ Paul's Appeal for Onesimus (Verses 8-16)
» Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave who has become a Christian.
» Paul urges Philemon to accept Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

¤ Paul's Offer and Final Request (Verses 17-22)
» Paul offers to cover any debt Onesimus owes Philemon and gently reminds Philemon of his own debt to Paul.
» He expresses confidence that Philemon will exceed expectations and hopes to visit him soon.

¤ Final Greetings and Benediction (Verses 23-25)
» Paul sends greetings from his companions and concludes with a blessing of grace.