Philemon

Philemon's House
The letter of Philemon is the only book in the New Testament which gives us a look into a Christian home of that time. Verse 2 gives a list of the members of his household and church that meets in his home. Apphia is generally assumed to be his wife and Archippus his son. It seems that Archippus had been entrusted with pastoral responsibilities in the Colossian church when Epaphras went to Rome to speak to Paul. (Colossians 4:17)

Philemon was from Colossae. He was converted under Paul's ministry as we see from verse 19. It was probably a result of Paul's ministry in Ephesus.

It seems likely that Philemon was a well to do householder. This can be determined not so much because he had slaves but rather that his house was large enough to serve as an assembly place for believers in Colossae. Also he seems to be in a position to help other believers. (Verse 2,5).

Slavery
Onesimus belongs to this congregation and household as a slave. This idea of a Christian, such as Philemon, owning a slave may seem strange to us today, but slavery was a commonly accepted feature of the society of that day. The Greeks and Romans saw no more wrong in having slaves than we see in having domestic maids. It was not uncommon for both master and slave to be Christians. (1 Timothy 6:1-2) Because of this common part of culture Paul included instructions for Christian slaves as well as masters in writing to the Colossians and the Ephesians.

Paul does not preach against social institutions and is not demolishing slavery in the name of Christianity. He shows that regeneration produces a new creature which crosses all social and legal barriers. Those who once were enemies or adversaries are now made brothers and sisters in the Lord. Now this does not mean that slavery is right or even tolerable. However the way in which Paul treats the problem of Onesimus shows that Christian love crosses all barriers of sin and injustice. The love of Christ would eventually eradicate slavery from the Christian church.

Occasion
The occasion becomes obvious as you read the letter. Omesimus, a slave of Philemon, had wronged, and possibly robbed his master of money, and then had run away. He had found his way to Rome, apparently hoping to lose himself in the crowds and eluding the slave-catchers who would be on the look-out for the fugitive. But in some way quite unknown to us, at Rome Onesimus had come into contact with the apostle Paul. Perhaps one of Paul's workers came across him in the city and brought him to Paul. But whatever the means he was led to Christ. (Verse 10)

Onesimus means 'Profitable' Verse 11. As a new Christian Onesimus began to live up to his name and for a short time rendered highly appreciated service to Paul in his imprisonment. Verse 13 Here was a man who had sinned and repented and Paul discovered great value in him. There developed a close attachment between Paul and Onesimus. Verse 12. But Paul felt that something more was necessary.

Even though Onesimus had repented, there was still the matter of restitution. Paul felt that Onesimus must return to his master in accordance with the demands of the law. That Onesimus agreed to this proves the reality of his Christianity. Onesimus knew what might be in store for him. Roman law practically imposed no limits to the power of the master over his slave. Slaves were constantly crucified for far lighter offences than his. A thief and a runaway, he had no claim to forgiveness.

Circumstances soon demanded that Tychicus be dispatched to Colossae with the letter to that church, and there was the opportunity to return Onesimus to his master. But in sending Onesimus back, Paul felt it necessary to write a letter to Philemon explaining the situation and entering a plea for Onesimus. This led to the writing of this beautiful letter.

Message
This letter gives no opportunity for doctrinal instruction but is rather a letter written by one Christian to another, asking that a favor be granted because of their mutual relationship to Christ and to each other. It specifically deals with the mutual relationship between slaves and masters.

The design of the letter was to assure Philemon of Paul's high regard for both the master and the slave and to persuade Philemon to receive, forgive, and reinstate Onesimus. This was to be done because a new relation now existed between them, Onesimus is no longer a mere slave but something more than a slave - a beloved brother. (Verse 17-21)

As his spiritual father, Paul obligates himself to Philemon for the debt of Onesimus. Paul closes his appeal with the confident assertion that Philemon will do even beyond that which he is asking. Philemon is not asked to release Onesimus, but to love him - a far harder thing.

In this letter Paul reveals himself a master of Christian courtesy. He shows himself as the Christian gentleman. The task before him was one of peculiar difficulty. He must write a letter that will win the favor and desired response of Philemon, while yet truthfully presenting the case of guilty Onesimus without offending him. The successful execution of such a task reveals Paul as a master in the art of dealing with men.

Martin Luther said 'What Christ has done for us with God the Father, that St. Paul does for Onesimus with Philemon.... For we are all his Onesimi if we believe.'