INTRODUCTION
TO PHILEMON
Author:
Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, had been an avid persecutor of
Christians, even handing them over to be executed, until one life-changing
journey to Damascus. He set out with letters from the High Priest authorizing
him to arrest Christians, but he was “arrested” instead by the Lord Jesus while
still on the road. The Lord appeared to him in blazing, blinding light and
asked why he was persecuting him. In Damascus, the Lord brought Ananias to pray
for Saul. His eyes were healed, and he was converted to Christianity. God
called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul wrote this
letter while imprisoned in Rome because of his preaching the Gospel somewhere
around 60-62 AD. Philemon along with Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians are
known as “The Prison Epistles” since all four were written during Paul’s first
imprisonment in Rome.
Recipient(s):
This was a private letter to Paul’s friend, Philemon, but was then shared with
the congregation that met in Philemon’s home. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had
stolen from him and run away. He ended up in Rome where Paul led him to faith
in Jesus. This letter accompanied Onesimus as Paul had urged the man to return
to his owner.
Historical
Setting: Slavery was common in Roman provinces and slaves had little rights. By
New Testament times, they were receiving better treatment because masters had
figured out that a contented slave was a better worker. Also, laws had been
passed that a slave accused of a crime had a right to a trial. The biblical
authors did not condemn slavery outright lest they incite a rebellion. However,
the did insist on equality among believers and fair treatment of slaves.
Themes:
- · Spiritual equality of masters and slaves
- · Repentance
- · Forgiveness
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Character
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Actions
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Motivation
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