PHILEMON–The Mighty One Page NT Book!

I wonder if I am the only one who has never spent much time in Philemon. Sure I’ve read it before, read it quickly, too. I’ve probably skimmed over it several times in the last 10 or 30 years. Now I'm amazed at how rich is this mighty one page book. It really does belong in the canon of Scripture!

Who is the Author of Philemon?

Okay, I’m starting easy here. Of course, we all know Paul wrote the book. He says he did and there is no reason to quarrel about it. Nevertheless, there would develop the habit of imposters using Apostle's names, so keep in mind the personal touches.

That style of salutation was the standard of the letter writing culture, just as our letters contain the inside address (business letters anyway) and a Dear Sir or Madam. Other writers of epistles said much the same things? Yes, and mostly they lso identify themselves as servants, etc. Perhaps my weak point is, by this cultural trait of writing salutations we have quickly distinguished the Biblical writers from the secular writers, such as Maximus Arellicus, “Commander of the 3rd Italian Brigade,” or even Pluticus Nauseous, “Caravan guide and dealer in salt fish.” Hey, the Holy Spirit knew what He was doing by utilizing (or engineering) the cultural practice of salutations to keep questions of authorship of the Biblical letters to a minimum.

The Content of the Text, and to whom is it sent?

Paul addresses Philemon as “our dear friend and fellow worker.” He then addresses Apphia, “our sister.” She’s a sister in Christ, but who is she to be named? Interestingly, the King James version refers to the “beloved Apphia.” This has some support in the manuscripts, so I understand. The importance of it may well be seen, as several scholars suggest, by examining the usage of the “beloved” title here. Scholars note the normal cultural routine of something very close to ignoring the mistress of the household when the esteemed husband is still living. They see meaning in the specific inclusion of her as a recipient of the letter and calling her “beloved,” a very meaningful term in those days, not tossed out lightly like a Hollywood kiss. This has led to the reasonable idea of Apphia being the wife of Philemon. Further, we know from Colossians that Archippus “our fellow soldier” was a minister of the Gospel. While the work of a sister in Christ might be most worthy, it would be unusual for Apphia to be addressed before Archippus, a minister devoted to teaching the Word. And he was male! On the other hand, naming Archippus after Philemon and Apphia would be the usual order when naming father, mother and son.

One scholar of the last century (1900s), undoubtedly a married man of many years, observes wisely that Paul’s reason for such a high standard of polite diplomacy that results in Apphia receiving a special greeting of honor is to help smooth the way for Philemon to decide to free Onesimus without opposition from his beloved wife, Apphia. Let me explain: Onesimus, as a runaway slave without worldly goods, would ordinarily take money or items to sell or trade to cover travel expenses, as was the practice of runaway slaves. Philemon was apparently wealthy, yet Apphia might still be simmering with resentment over the loss of some favorite jeweled necklace or other valuable adornment of great sentimental value stolen from her. I digress a moment to point to what surely must be proof of the Holy Spirit’s aid to Paul in writing the letter. Paul is a bachelor, yet he appears to know something of the lingering anger and resentment of a woman scorned. (Ouch! Stop that, beloved wife of mine! I was only kidding! Speaking in generalities!)

Paul knew the family well. In the letter to Philemon, Epaphras, himself a prisoner with Paul, sends his greetings to those he knew in Colossians. Epaphras is also mentioned in the Colossians letter. Aristarchus also is well known in Colossae. Of course, Mark and Luke are Christian icons. With them is a man named Demas. Further, the case for authenticity becomes irrefutable against any atheist’s argument: Tychicus brought the letter to the Colossians (Col. 4:7,8) and the letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21,22). Onesimus traveled with Tychicus; Onesimus would boldly deliver Philemon’s letter while in Colossae.

The Date and Place of Origin

In Acts 28:16, Luke reports, NIV: “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” (The Western text, followed by the Byzantine, gives a fuller reading: “When we entered Rome, the centurian handed his prisoners over to the stratopedarch, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself outside the barracks with the soldier who guarded him.”) Then Acts 28: 30,31 ends by telling us: “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Thus, it would appear probable that it was in this imprisonment that Paul wrote his letter to Philemon.

As to the date of this imprisonment–as noted in Philemon, Paul writes of himself: “...an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” and relates that, consistent with the liberty of the Acts description, Onesimus “became my son while I was in chains.” (from Philemon, vs. 9,10). Thus, it would seem Paul had advanced in age from the days of his journeys set out in Acts. Acts tells us no more about Paul. Nevertheless, early church fathers wrote of Paul’s imprisonment (or otherwise there is a tradition) as being in the time of 61-62 AD. Paul was released from this particular imprisonment. Eusebius relates that Paul continued his ministry during the time between his first and second imprisonment. However, Paul was rearrested a few years later and this imprisonment in Rome was “hard time.” That is consistent with a time of about 64 AD when Nero’s persecution raged insanely against Christians.

In II Timothy 4:9-18 Paul writes that Demas deserted him “because he loved this world.” Only Luke was with him. Paul asks Timothy to come to him and bring Mark and bring a cloak “left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” It is in this final chapter 4 of II Timothy that we find Paul’s inspiring, uplifting words (vss. 6-8): “For I am being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

To comment more specifically upon the significance in the date and place of the writing of Philemon, I can only believe that the Holy Spirit has allowed us to see into the Christian heart, see the unfailing perseverance of a great warrior for Christ and the power and truth of the Gospel even in the very last days of Paul’s earthly life. Unlike Demas, Paul faced death confidently and always loyal to God even in the more minor things...like a runaway slave.

Onesimus has converted to Christianity through Paul’s prison ministry–sort of a reverse prison ministry, not what we would think of as a “prison ministry” today. Do we not see another instance of the kingdom of God opened to Jew and Gentile, freeman and slave alike? Even the slave owner Philemon had previously been brought to belief in Jesus, the Christ, through the work of Paul–as used by the Spirit–in presenting the Word. Now with Onesimus being returned, Paul alludes to his ministry that brought both owner and slave to Christ. They are both adopted children of God, brothers in Christ, and one is not more important to God than the other.

We see Paul’s request for forgiveness for the offending slave as concrete application of “forgive, as your Father forgives you.”

Paul makes another easily understood application of a most important Christian theme when he tells Philemon that he, Paul, would pay the debt of Onesimus’disobedience. Isn’t that offer of substitutionary atonement exactly what Jesus did, paying the debt we owed to God?

We see the legally ordained practice of slavery in the world in that time. Paul doesn’t expressly direct Philemon to release Onesimus. Paul preferred Philemon to act, not because Paul commanded it, but that Philemon might choose willingly, his choice springing out of a heart that loves God above all else. A Sovereign God gave us free will; nevertheless, Jesus taught, if you love God, you keep His commandments. Paul doesn’t teach disobedience to the law; he relies on Grace to motivate obedience and it is Grace that avoids the law’s harshness.

Though Paul is not speaking words condemning the owning of slaves, yet Paul clearly expects a new day-to-day real life relationship between master and slave–“no longer a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Paul argues persuasively that Onesimus was very dear to him, “but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Onesimus is a “new creation.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

What meaning is here for a modern day Christian?

Christians are released from slavery and became one of the adopted children through the power of His Word. The principle of substitutionary atonement is well portrayed here. Paul offers to pay what Onesimus owes Philemon. Paul is making intercession with Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf, much as a very loving, gentle, compassionate Jesus gave Himself for us. I rather know that Philemon will free Onesimus, and that Onesimus will be more than a slave. There are no words to fully describe the joy of our redemption and adoption into the family of God, a very dear position indeed!

We were all runaway slaves until Jesus freed us from captivity. I am confident that if Onesimus should remain a slave, heaven forbid, his faith is sufficient. Christians are in the world, but not of the world. The Lord has overcome the world and we cherish the hope within us; that we too will be with Him. As the Christian hope is real and sufficient for Onesimus, so this hope is sufficient for us whatever the circumstances.

It is fascinating to see the cross-references to the cities or churches. For me, the historical significance of Paul’s letters more real and presents vividly the richness of Acts.

I can understand the slight frown that might come across the brow of some of you. Did I find doctrine in places where it was just Paul using his common sense...in a letter--and Paul wrote plenty of letters. Ah, that is an important point. We too go about our ways, perhaps sharing a greeting with a friend or stranger. Perhaps we hesitate a moment and actually assist someone struggling with the task before them. Saint Frances of Assisi is supposed to have said, “Preach constantly; use words if necessary!” That makes sense!

Lastly, we see Paul relating to Philemon his prayers of thankfulness, hearing of Philemon’s faith and love for all the saints. Paul prays that Philemon’s sharing of the faith “may promote the knowledge of all good that is ours in Christ.” (RSV) Then Paul says: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” (NIV) Oh, that every Christian might receive a letter like that! As our gifts enable us we must take Paul’s praise to heart and share the faith, promote knowledge of our God, give joy and encouragement to others and thereby refresh the hearts of the saints.

Never again will I take the letter to Philemon so lightly!