Philemon
Philemon is Paul's brief personal letter appealing to a slave owner to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother in Christ. It demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel on social relationships.
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๐ About This Book
Purpose
To appeal for the forgiveness and restoration of a runaway slave - demonstrating how the gospel transforms social relationships.
Audience
Philemon, a wealthy Christian whose slave Onesimus had fled to Paul.
Key Themes
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Did You Know?
- The shortest of Paul's letters (25 verses, 1 chapter)
- A personal letter about a runaway slave named Onesimus
- Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes - a picture of Christ
- Written from prison and sent with Colossians
- Onesimus became a Christian through Paul in prison
- Paul appeals to love rather than commanding by authority
- The name Onesimus means 'useful' - Paul makes a pun on this
- Philemon was a wealthy church leader in Colossae
- The letter subtly undermines the institution of slavery
- One of the best examples of Christian diplomacy and tact