BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON:

AUTHOR, DATE, and TIME:

Apostle Paul (Phm 1:1) is the author based on the Internal and External evidence. Most probably, Paul would have written the epistle to Philemon while he was imprisoned (Phm 1:1, 13) by the Romans in 62 A.D (Some others state that Paul may have written Philemon while he was imprisoned in Caesarea during 57-59 A.D.). Paul could have used Timothy's help to pass the letter.

RECIPIENTS: 

Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon’s house.

The Epistle of Philemon can be considered as a personal letter as well as a letter to a group/ church by Paul to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in his house.

THEME:

The overall theme of the epistle is ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’ without any discrimination in the body of Christ (Phm 1:16).

PURPOSE:

Ø To acknowledge Philemon’s love and faith (Phm 1: 4)

Ø To appeal to Philemon for reconciliation with Onesimus (Phm 1:10)

Ø To emphasize their close association and relationship (Phm 1: 22)

LITERARY FEATURES:

Ø There are no direct scriptural references by Paul in the Epistle of Philemon.

Ø It’s primarily a letter of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Ø It is one of the letters that doesn’t insist or command anything directly, but Paul gradually conveys what he wants to do through the wise play of words, because Philemon seems to be genuine, and he had already committed to following the footsteps of the Lord Jesus.

OUTLINE:

Introduction, Prayer and Appreciation, Appeal for Onesimus, Request for accepting Onesimus as a servant and brother, Emphasis on the personal relationship, and Final greetings and wishes.

LEARNINGS:

Ø We could learn from the Characteristics of Philemon.

Ø We could learn from the Characteristics of Paul.

Ø We could learn how to approach and appeal for someone’s reconciliation and acceptance, who has made mistakes. 

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