NEW TESTAMENT > LETTERS > PHILEMON

PHILEMON

Paul’s letter to Philemon contains a short but powerful message. Philemon was a Roman citizen from Colossae who became a follower of Jesus and friend of Paul. While imprisoned, Paul develops a close relationship with Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway servant. 

Onesimus also became a believer in Jesus and a student of Paul. In this letter, Paul boldly asks Philemon to accept Onesimus upon his return, not as a slave, but as a brother. In only a few sentences, Paul highlights the transformation that comes from following Jesus and asks Philemon to follow in the example of Christ’s humility and forgiveness. 

    • Reconciliation

    • Forgiveness

    • Partnership in the gospel and the gift of grace

    • Freedom through Christ

    • Paul

    • Onesimus

    • Philemon: a first-century Christian and a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home.

    • Author: Paul

    • Date: around 57–62 C.E.

    • Intended Audience: Philemon, his wife Apphia, his son Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house

PHILEMON 1

PAUL PLEADS FOR PHILEMON TO RECONCILE WITH ONESIMUS 

Paul begins his letter to Philemon by expressing his love and gratitude. Paul thanks God for Philemon and asks God to make him increasingly more effective and knowledgeable. Emphasizing their personal relationship, Paul states that he has derived great joy and comfort from Philemon.

Although Paul has the authority to demand obedience from Philemon, Paul humbly presents his desires as a request or plea. Paul asks Philemon to free Onesimus and receive him as family. Because Philemon and Onesimus both follow Jesus, Paul considers them brothers in faith and wants Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus. Paul’s request involves more than freeing a slave, he wants Philemon to consider Onesimus as family.

Throughout the book, Paul serves as a symbol of Christ, acting as the mediator between sin and righteousness. Paul tells Philemon that he will take on any payment or charge that Onesimus owes him, paying the cost of a wrongdoing he did not commit. Because Paul paid the price, Onesimus could return to Philemon in right standing.

Without explicit direction, Paul urges Philemon to exhibit the forgiveness and mercy he has been shown by Christ. Confident in Philemon’s obedience, Paul trusts that Philemon will provide even more grace and forgiveness than Paul has asked of him.

Philemon 1:12 - no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.