Free Bible Commentary
“Introduction to Philemon”
Categories: PhilemonPhilemon was likely a wealthy and influential member of the church in the city of Colosse in modern day Turkey (Philemon 1:2, 22; Colossians 4:9). It is commonly believed that Apphia was his wife and Archippus was his son (verse 2), and also the preacher or “minister” of the church that met in their house (Colossians 4:17). Paul was likely the one who converted Philemon to Christ (verse 19), and obviously considered him to be an upstanding man of honesty and reliability based upon the praise he gave him in this epistle.
Paul wrote this letter to his brother Philemon to address the situation with his runaway slave, Onesimus (verse 16). Onesimus had fled his master’s home in Colosse to the city of Rome, and likely after lifting some of Philemon’s valuables (verse 18). While in Rome Onesimus met up with Paul who had been imprisoned there, and the apostle converted him to Christ and the two quickly formed a bond of love and loyalty with one another (verse 12). Paul desired to keep his new brother in Christ by his side because he found him to be very “useful” in his service to the Lord (verses 11, 13), but he knew that it was right for Onesimus to return to his appropriate place and position in the household of Philemon (verse 14).
This is one of those Bible passages that brings the very touchy issue of slavery into focus. The Bible deals with slavery in a very matter-of-fact way because it was so prevalent in the times and places in which the inspired books were written. Here is what Adam Clarke wrote concerning Paul’s letter to Philemon: “This epistle is the Biblical answer to the question of slavery. Here we have no law of outward compulsion to forbid slavery but a gospel spirit of love which so changes the heart that slavery automatically withers and becomes impossible.” When we read Paul’s sentiments written in verses 15-16 we can understand this assessment to be true.
Please read Philemon 1:1-7 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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