Philemon 1:1-3
Surprising how much speculation about short letter from apostle – where was Paul prisoner, who was Philemon, what did Onesimus do, how did he and Paul meet, and more. Answer to many questions: don’t know. All facts about Philemon presented right here, Onesimus mentioned in passing one other place. Paul certainly covered enough in 335 words he wrote to be profitable to us.
Some ask why letter that seems so intensely personal should be included in NT. To wonder about that is to miss point of relationships among followers of Christ – are all members of body with Christ our head. Not just part of one family, are all part of one body, mutually dependent on one another. Are influences that complicate things – from unbelieving family and friends, culture we live in, pressures to conform.
Not like reading private mail – perhaps small group but… church family included in salutation (2). Then the fact God saw fit to be sure it is included in our Bibles – is useful to us, all who read b/c God intends it that way. “The singular loftiness of the mind of Paul, though it may be seen to greater advantage in his other writings which treat of weightier matters…” Calvin not sure about that. Focus here on practical everyday kind of situation – at same time Christ present not only in Paul’s thinking but writing as well.
A. from
Paul
a hint of Paul’s mindset / intention in writing found in opening words: simply “Paul” w/o any reference to apostleship / authority
one friend to another, having easy conversation over coffee – elaborates more on it later, no hint of any kind of pressure
prisoner
matter-of-fact kind of statement but carrying great weight in 1st century – lets readers know reason for his imprisonment
whether chained to wall as in Philippi, to Roman soldier, not at liberty b/c this Roman citizen believed to be threat to public order
trying to persuade people to give first priority/loyalty to other than Caesar viewed as treason, undermining government w/probable death sentence
brother in Christ
calls Philemon “brother” v.7, is apparent from all else written that is kind of relationship they enjoyed, really the ideal to strive for between believers w/o regard for status
implies attitude of loving concern for well-being of one another and rest of family present in local church centered in Colosse
reasonable to think all are paying attention – how would situation between Philemon and Onesimus work out… what conclusion?
B. to
Philemon
likely husband of Apphia, opened home to host a house church – perhaps had some personal means, enough to have at least one slave, perhaps more
considered to be fellow laborer by Paul – had shown leadership in local church family, perhaps served as pastor also
certainly significant encourager to church, reputation for actively sharing faith with others and desiring more results
coworker
Archippus apparently one on front lines helping to equip saints for battle against Satan and enemies of the Gospel
likely serving as co-pastor of church with Philemon – Paul making sincere effort to keep all leadership in loop on important issue
also including Archippus explicitly prevents misunderstanding – not any failure on his part that encouraged Paul to get involved
church
helpful for church family to be up to speed on things – good teachable time for them and how to deal with complicated situations
wrestling with all issues, things leading to things, could tighten bonds between all brothers and sisters incl. eventually Onesimus
also serves as example to us, how to live all of life in way that follows example of Christ and is also pleasing to him
C. when
a prison epistle
written around same time as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians probably during last imprisonment in Rome before death
adds interesting question: how did Onesimus and Paul meet? fellow prisoner? not likely, probably introduced by someone
one more example of how broad Paul’s concern was for others in spite of uncertain, maybe dangerous personal future
delivered by Tychicus (Col. 4:7-9)
know b/c Paul said said so, delivered Colossians, Onesimus accompanied him, likely delivered Philemon also
Paul considered Tychicus good choice for the task – “beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant” – helpful companion
could be trusted to deliver both letters and servant to intended destination – well-equipped to continue mentoring Paul started
after Onesimus’ conversion
Paul states in letter “my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains”, obvious reference to his conversion
also says would appreciate opportunity for different service from Onesimus: “he might minister to me in my chains”
D. why
pastoral concern
lamb
Onesimus not new to Christian community, influence, practice – he was new to personal saving faith and worldview
Paul concerned his faith not be challenged beyond what it could stand – reunion and restoration needed to be done right
shepherd
Philemon and Archippus both visible in church family and surrounding community – conflicting messages from world and God’s word… what to do
men needed encouragement to follow principles Paul has been teaching whether or not pushback from culture or some in church
is ongoing need in Christ’s church in every period of history – and, Satan capitalizes on situations like this to harm church
flock
a mixed group, people from all ages and stages of spiritual maturity, from various backgrounds and experiences
would easily benefit from clear teaching followed by consistent practice and application – reminders/examples always helpful
19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. Seems when not giving dictation, Paul stayed even closer to Christ. Important to always keep in mind: whether stated or not, Christ must be common thread through all we think, say, do. Paul established letter on relationship to Christ, tools of persuasion directly related to same, expected outcome to demonstrate relationship by everyone involved. Is of absolute eternal importance – apart from Christ we have nothing of value, we are nothing. Our value and identity and all we are and all we hope for must be found in Christ Alone.
Reformanda 