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The Epistle To Philemon

by Micky Galloway

This epistle is a very personal letter, yet very significant. The author, Paul, does not identify himself with the usual introductory words, “Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ,” but substitutes the touching designation, “a prisoner of Jesus Christ” and “Paul the aged” (verses 1,9). In doing this Paul does not appeal to his authority as an apostle, but makes a personal appeal to the heart of Philemon.

The book of Philemon is a lesson on tact, courtesy and politeness. From Colossians 4:9 it may be inferred that Philemon was an inhabitant of Colossae, since Onesimus, the one who is the subject of this epistle, was mentioned as “one of you.” It appears also that Philemon had been converted by Paul himself. Verse 19 says “I say not to thee that thou owest unto me even thine own self.” It is evident that Paul regarded him as a sincere Christian; one of strict integrity and as one who could be depended upon to do right. Nothing is known of his age, his profession or the time and circumstances of his death. Neither is it known for certain the effect this epistle had on him or whether he received Onesimus back again. It is a good assumption however, that such an appeal to such a man would produce the desired results.

What prompted this epistle? Philemon had a servant named Onesimus. What kind of man this was before Paul met him is unknown, except that he had been “unprofitable” to Philemon (verse 11). He had possibly done some wrong, either by taking his property, or simply the fact that he had escaped. The cause of his escaping is unknown, however he had fled to Rome where he found Paul, was taught the truth and obeyed it. Why he came to Paul is unknown, but the fact that Paul says of Onesimus, “whom I have begotten in my bonds” (verse 10), seems to indicate that through some means he had come to be with Paul. Onesimus had reason to believe if he went back to Philemon, there would be trouble. A run away servant could be punished by his master, even unto death. Paul was running a tremendous risk in letting Philemon know where his servant was. It is said that there were sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire, two out of every three persons in Rome was a slave. Philemon could have made an example of Onesimus, therefore his punishment could have been severe. Paul writes to encourage his master to treat him kindly.

There can be little doubt that this letter was written from Rome about the time when the epistle to the Colossians was written. Philemon was written while Paul was in chains (verses 1,10,13,23). Timothy joined Paul in both epistles and Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke joined in the greetings of both epistles (cf. Colossians 1:1; 4:10-14). Onesimus, the subject of this letter, was one of the messengers by whom the epistle to the Colossians was sent (Colossians 4:7-9). If the epistle to Philemon was written about the time Colossians and the other “prison epistles” (Ephesians and Philippians) were written, then it was written during Paul’s imprisonment at Rome, sometime during the period of 61-63 AD.

The letter is gentle and persuasive. It is a model of courtesy and politeness, yet the argument Paul makes seems irresistible. Paul knew how to tear down hostility and prejudice that might exist between this master and his servant. Paul handled this situation with tactfulness. Much can be learned of courtesy, gentleness and tact from this epistle.

Paul built up Philemon. He told of the excellent reports he had received of Philemon and the occasion which he had to be thankful on his behalf (verses 4-7). Paul had heard of his faith and love, and the kindness he had expressed to those who bore the name of Christ (verse 5). Paul had great joy and consolation from the happiness which Philemon had given to other Christians who had needed his aid.

Paul then begged Philemon to receive back Onesimus (verses 8-21). He had the authority to command Philemon to do so, but for love’s sake he had rather “beseech” him. Pride did not hinder Paul from begging for his child Onesimus to be received. Onesimus had shamed his own name meaning “useful” and “profitable,” yet Paul asks that he be received on the grounds of a personal favor. It is usually not best to command a thing be done if we can ask that it be done. Paul also approaches him on the basis of his age, “Paul the aged” (verses 9). Onesimus was now useful to Paul, but he would not keep him without Philemon’s consent. Paul desired that the right thing be done and for the right reasons.

Now Onesimus is a brother in Christ. Whatever he was before, now Philemon can receive him back more than just a servant in the flesh, but as a servant and brother in Christ. Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of his personal friendship. He asks that if he regarded him as a partner with him in the gospel, he would receive Onesimus as himself. If anything was owed by Onesimus, Paul says, “put that on my bill.” He however, reminds Philemon that he owes him his own salvation. Paul asked that he might have the joy of knowing he will cooperate … “Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say” (Philemon 20-21). Just to make sure that Philemon is cooperative, Paul requests that he prepare a lodging for him as he was coming to see him.

Let us learn from this example of Paul’s tact, politeness and kindness. Paul was a master at motivating people to do right. It does matter how we say something. Let us apply these principles to our efforts to motivate others to obey the truth.

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