INTRODUCTION AND GREETINGS (PHM 1:1-3):

INTRODUCTION AND GREETINGS (PHM 1:1-3):

Paul writes that he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy their brother, to Philemon, their dear friend and co-laborer, to Apphia their sister, to Archippus their fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in their house. Paul addresses himself to be a prisoner of Christ Jesus because he had submitted himself to be captured and suffered for the sake of Christ. And Paul addresses Timothy as a brother to them, because they are all together united as children of God when they accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, believed in Him, and committed their lives to Him. Paul mentions his recipients after introducing himself and Timothy. Paul’s primary recipient was Philemon, and he states that he is a dear friend and co-laborer. Paul acknowledges his close association and working together with Philemon, which could give warmth and charm, as he would have read. Philemon might be probably from Colosse, and there is a possibility of him being a Gentile. Then Paul mentions his other recipients, who are the other prominent people known to Paul. He mentions Apphia as their sister who might be the wife of Philemon. Then Paul mentions Archippus as their fellow soldier who should have partaken in the ministry of Paul and Philemon, and might be the son of Philemon too.  

After introducing the recipients, Paul writes his greetings that grace to them and peace from God their Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The greetings are more or less used in the epistles of Paul. Paul mentions that grace and peace that surpass all understanding, possible from God the Father and Lord Jesus alone, shall be to them.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.     Who is(are) the author(s) of the epistle?

2.     How did Paul introduce himself? Why?

3.     How did Paul introduce Timothy? Why?

4.     Who is(are) the recipient (s)?

5.     What is mentioned about Philemon?

6.     What is mentioned about Apphia?

7.     What is mentioned about Archippus?

8.     How does Paul greet the recipients?

How shall we enquire one another in our fellowships? 

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