Page 103 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Background

Author, Provenance, Date, and Recipient
The internal evidence shows Paul as the author of the letter to Philemon. Notably, although the epistle
of Philemon names both Paul and Timothy as authors (Phlm. 1), Paul uses the singular voice, which fits
the letter’s personal nature. Recipient is also mentioned in the letter who also bares its name. Philemon
is highly associated with Colossians. Tychicus, one of Paul’s team members, who apparently carried the
letters of Colossians and Ephesians, probably delivered the letter to Philemon as well (Col 4:7–8; Eph.
6:21–22). notably, many of the same people are mentioned in both Colossians and Philemon (Phlm. 2,
10, 23–24; Col 4:9–17). Since Paul sent Onesimus back to Colossae (Col. 4:9), it seems that this is where
Philemon was hosting a local congregation in his home (Phlm. 2). 143

As far as the provenance is concerned, Paul is writing to Philemon from prison (1, 23). And as for the
date, if this refers to Paul’s incarceration in Rome, the letter would have been written in the early 60s AD
(Acts 28:30). However, Paul could be writing during his imprisonment in Caesarea (around AD 58–59) or
a possible imprisonment in Ephesus (around AD 54–57). Ephesus is far closer to Colossae than Rome or
Caesarea—it is only about 100 miles away—which means it would be a far less extensive journey for
Onesimus, the runaway slave. 144
In context, Paul is to send a runaway slave, Onesimus back to his master in harmony with Roman law.
This is risky for Onesimus; slaveowners had every right to punish or even kill runaway slaves. However,
since both Philemon and Onesimus came to faith in Christ through Paul’s ministry (Phlm. 10, 16, 19),
there is hope that Philemon will respond with favor to Paul’s request and set aside his rights as a
slaveowner. 145

Themes

The major theme of Philemon is “the gospel’s power to transform people and relationships.” 146
Interestingly, Onesimus’ name means “useful,” which started making sense when he came to Christ
because that is when he became truly useful both to Paul and Philemon (11 – 13). Because of the gospel,
transformation occurred in the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon, that they were no longer
slave and master, but brothers in Christ (16). 147
The letter to Philemon challenges us to allow the gospel transform our approach to relationships. If we
are in a position of power, we should use that power in the service of love, restoration, and equality.
And if we are on the underside of power, we should still love generously and embrace our status as
equals before Christ. The world we live in remains broken in many ways, with social and economic
disparities driving people apart. But the love of Christ bids us to bring people together. 148

Occasion and purpose

Philemon was a devout Christian, probably a convert of Paul. He was also a wealthy man and slave
owner in Colossae. Paul wrote him this epistle to tell him to accept his runaway slave, Onesimus, who
has become a believer after being imprisoned with Paul.

143 Barry, J. D., et al.
144 Ibid
145 Ibid
146 Ibid
147 Ibid
148 Ibid

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