Bible Overview Philemon
Mike Ervin
Bible Overview of the Book of Philemon
1. Authorship
Traditional View:
The traditional view holds that the Apostle Paul wrote Philemon. The letter explicitly identifies Paul as the author (Philemon 1:1, 9, 19), and it is closely linked to Paul’s other prison letters (Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians). The personal nature of the letter and its references to Paul’s companions (e.g., Timothy, Onesimus, Archippus) support this attribution.
Modern Scholarly View:
Most scholars, including those with critical perspectives, accept Pauline authorship. The letter’s style, vocabulary, and personal tone align with Paul’s other undisputed letters. While some have raised questions about the letter’s theological themes being different from Paul’s more doctrinal writings, its brevity and unique purpose make these concerns less significant.
2. Date of Authorship
Traditional View:
Since Philemon is considered one of Paul’s prison epistles, it was likely written during his imprisonment. The most commonly suggested dates are:
• Rome (60–62 CE): The most widely accepted view, as Paul was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30-31).
• Ephesus (54–56 CE): Some argue Paul may have written it during an earlier imprisonment in Ephesus, which is not explicitly mentioned in Acts but is inferred from 2 Corinthians 1:8.
• Caesarea (58–60 CE): A less common view suggests he wrote it while under house arrest in Caesarea (Acts 24:27).
Modern Scholarly View:
Most scholars lean toward the Rome (60–62 CE) date, as it aligns with the traditional view and the close connection between Philemon and Colossians (Colossians 4:7-9 mentions Onesimus, the letter’s key figure).
3. Main Themes
• Christian Brotherhood and Forgiveness: Paul urges Philemon to welcome Onesimus, a runaway slave, as a brother in Christ rather than merely a servant.
• Transformation in Christ: Onesimus, once “useless,” has become “useful” through faith (Philemon 1:11).
• Intercession and Advocacy: Paul acts as a mediator, reflecting Christ’s role in reconciling believers to God.
• The Nature of Christian Love: The letter is a model of how the gospel transforms relationships, emphasizing love over social status.
4. Sequential Summary of the Letter
Verses 1–7: Greeting and Thanksgiving
• Paul greets Philemon, Apphia (likely Philemon’s wife), Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon’s house.
• He commends Philemon’s love and faith, setting the stage for his request.
Verses 8–16: Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
• Paul appeals rather than commands, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother.
• Onesimus, once a runaway slave, is now a faithful Christian and dear to Paul.
Verses 17–22: Paul’s Personal Commitment
• Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes, reinforcing his sincerity.
• He expresses confidence that Philemon will not only forgive Onesimus but go beyond what is asked.
Verses 23–25: Final Greetings
• Paul sends greetings from fellow laborers (Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke), highlighting the letter’s communal nature.
5. Conclusion: The Importance of Philemon
Philemon is a powerful example of Christian reconciliation, demonstrating how faith transforms social relationships. Though it does not directly challenge slavery, it subtly undermines it by affirming equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28). The letter also serves as a model for intercession, reflecting Christ’s role in advocating for humanity.