Philemon – Overview and Introduction, vv.1-3

This week we are discussing Paul’s letter to Philemon (it is only 25 verses). Paul wrote this letter at the same time as Colossians and Ephesians.

Overview:

This letter is the practical application of what Paul taught in Ephesians. This letter is the story of Philemon, a Christian slave owner, and Useful (Gk: Onesimus), his slave. Useful had run away from Philemon leaving a trail of destruction and had sought out Paul in prison where he was baptized. Paul sends Useful back to Philemon accompanied by this letter (and probably also by Tychius). In the letter, Paul asks Philemon to treat Useful as a brother in Christ and not as a slave. Within this letter, Paul shows the practical application of the gospel teaching to a situation that would normally result in Useful’s death or severe physical punishment and instead results in his manumission.

As you read through this letter, try to see that Philemon, not Useful, is the person who benefits the most from Paul’s request. In his Commentary on Philemon, N.T. Wright opines: “Living Christianity makes people more human, not less. No Christian should grumble at the extra demands of love. They are golden opportunities to draw on the reserve of divine love, and in so doing become more fully oneself in Christ, more completely in the image of God, more authentically human.” p.180.

Also, notice how Paul specifically goes out of his way not to command Philemon to free Useful. Rather, Paul wants to persuade Philemon to do the right thing, but the choice lies with Philemon. Paul’s example is that the church should operate on the level of persuasion and not compulsion.

The final issue to be aware of as we read through this letter is Philemon’s (and maybe even Useful’s) blindness to what should occur. Paul is compelled to write the letter because he is uncertain whether Philemon will even be aware of his Christian obligation to be useful. Philemon had a household and probably a societal obligation to punish Useful and not free him. These obligations were grounded in this world’s societal structures, thereby blinding Philemon to his obligations in Christ. Philemon’s blindness is something that we should all see and be aware of in our own lives.

Introduction: (vv.1-3)

Paul introduces himself as simply a “prisoner for Christ Jesus.” v.1. Unlike Ephesians and Colossians which were sent at the same time, Paul does not identify himself as an “apostle.” In this same vein, Paul calls Philemon his “fellow-worker” thus establishing the equality between Paul and Philemon before Christ. Paul does not present himself as someone who has authority over Philemon and who can command his obedience, but approaches him as an equal in the same way that Paul wants Philemon to see Useful.

Finally, this letter is also not solely written to Philemon. A Christian life is not an individual activity. Rather, Paul addresses the letter to Philemon, his wife (probably) Apphia, a leader of the church named Archippus (see, Col. 4:17), and the entire congregation. v.2. Since the congregation met in Philemon’s house, they would have been very aware of what transpired with Useful. Everyone in the congregation would also be well aware of Philmon’s household and societal obligations to punish Useful. Paul, therefore, needs to persuade them as well as to the appropriate Christian response.

Dinner is at 6. The menu is Hungarian Ghoulash and Haloween Pie. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here!

Let not the downtrodden be put to shame;
    let the poor and needy praise thy name.
Arise, O God, plead thy cause;
Psalm 74:21-22a