PHILEMON 1-7 - PRISONER PAUL'S FRIEND, PHILEMON

PHILEMON 1-7

PRISONER PAUL’S

FRIEND, PHILEMON

Philemon 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer,

Paul was under house arrest in Rome. Why did he call himself a prisoner of Jesus? It was because of his preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ that he was arrested. Do you see a purpose in his imprisonment? Christ was on a mission through Paul to give the gospel to the Gentiles. His imprisonment, rather than stopping him in his mission, allowed him to spread the gospel and encourage the believers without having to travel on foot. He had plenty of time to pray, hear from the Holy Spirit, and dictate letters to his helper(s). There were, also, guards, Roman soldiers, who converted to Christianity while assigned to guard Paul.

Who was Timothy? Timothy was the son of Eunice and grandson of Lois, both of whom were believers in Christ and godly women. They gave him the name Timothy which means “one who honors God.” Timothy’s father was Greek and had probably passed away by this time. Paul mentioned Timothy in several letters to give him credibility with the body of believers as a successor to him. He would eventually be one of only three people to receive a divinely inspired personal letter from Paul – the others being Philemon and Titus.

Now on to the recipient of the letter. Philemon was a wealthy man having a large house and at least one slave. He lived in the city of Colossae and would have been one of the people receiving the letter to the Colossians as well as this personal letter. He was a member and possibly a leader (Paul calls him a co-laborer) of the congregation at Colossae that met in his home.

Paul had led Philemon to the Lord years earlier.

Philemon 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Apphia was Philemon’s wife, and Archippus was either his son or an elder in the church that met in his home. If he were an elder, Paul may have addressed the letter to him as well as Philemon; so that Philemon would be held accountable for considering Paul’s advice. Paul’s letters were a way to spread the gospel, teach new believers, and sometimes to handle problems/conflicts that arose in the congregations. The conflict between Philemon and Onesimus is the main purpose of this letter, but it served the purpose of teaching believers about forgiveness among the Messianic community as well since it was to be read to the entire congregation.

Philemon 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul used the greeting of “grace” in all thirteen of his letters. We are saved by grace. Faith in God’s grace through Jesus is the only way to the Father. Peace is the result of trusting Jesus as one’s personal Savior, the One who brought you out of a life of sin. It is not a human peace that depends on self-effort, self-will, and good circumstances. This is a peace from God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), peace in the middle of trouble, in the very eye of the storm. Paul’s inclusion of both God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ points out the deity of Jesus as equal to God.

Philemon 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

Paul continually exhorts us to pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), and here he follows his own advice by thanking God for those who would read this letter. It is evident that Paul is an eager, consistent intercessor for those under his leadership.

Philemon 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Paul commends the character of Philemon, that the new nature is evident in him. He may have been commending the character of the congregation as a whole, too. He praises their love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and to one another as believers. The body at Colossae is a personification of discipleship because of this love for God and each other, for Jesus said:

John 13:35 (KJV)  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Philemon’s love for other believers was a manifestation of his love for Jesus and evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in his life.

The Voice translation helps with verse 6:

Philemon 6 (VOICE) I pray that as he goes and tells his story of faith, he would tell everyone so that they will know for certain all the good that comes to those who put their trust in the Anointed One.

Paul prayed and believed that Philemon’s testimony would help others to understand the full benefit of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Philemon 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Paul was encouraged and comforted to know of Philemon’s love for God, other believers, and for Paul. Where the King James Version uses “bowels,” we would probably say hearts or minds.

Philemon 7 (CJB)     For your love has given me much joy and encouragement. Brother, you have refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

Why did Paul address Philemon as “brother.” Paul had been the one to introduce Philemon to Jesus which made him one with Christ, one of the familyship of believers. Therefore, Paul and Philemon were brothers in the family of God which is more powerful than any natural bloodline.

Question:

If Paul were to write a letter to you, what positive characteristics in your life might he commend? Would he be able to praise you for your relationships in the body of Christ and your witness to others?