Letter to Philemon

This letter was written by the apostle Paul to one of his sons in the faith - a man by the name of Philemon. The reason for the letter is regarding Philemon's slave, a man by the name of Onesimus. Onesimus offended Philemon somehow and ran away from his hometown of Colossae in Asia Minor which is now Modern day Turkey to Rome. Providentially Philemon encounters Paul who was in prison led him to Christ. Paul writes this heartfelt letter to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to receive him back.

Paul greets and commends Philemon

The first thing Paul does is salute Philemon and those in his house. Next, he commends Philemon for his love and faith for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. These are tremendous and gracious kind words to bestow upon a fellow believer. This lets us readers know that Philemon was a man of impeccable and godly character. Philemon loved not only in word but more importantly in deed (1 John 3:18). I know it had to be refreshing to Philemon to know that the aged apostle Paul was also praying for him. Paul also commends Philemon for loving people by sharing his faith with others. Philemon was a breath of fresh air to all the saints and comfort and joy to Paul himself (vv 4-7).

Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus

Paul encourages Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus back - not as a slave, but as a brother. Paul knew he had the authority to compel Philemon to do what he asked (vv 8-9), but rather he asked with tender loving care for Philemon to do the right thing. Receiving Onesimus was like receiving Paul since the apostle had birthed Onesimus in the gospel and was his dear child in the faith (vs 10b). Onesimus who was formerly useless was now useful to Paul and would be useful to Philemon since he is a converted man. As a matter of fact, the book of Colossians records that Paul sent a brother named Tychicus along with Onesimus to Colossae so that they could report to the Colossian church how Paul was doing while in prison (Col 4:7-9a). Paul wanted to keep Onesimus with him for assistance in ministry but knew the right thing was to send him back to the man that owned him. 

Paul knowing Philemon's pedigree said to him, "If you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you in any way, charge that to my account" (vv 17-18). Here I believe is the genius of the apostle, Paul was willing to pay back to Philemon any loss incurred by Onesimus' delinquency when he ran away. Paul also knew that what he deposited in Philemon in regards to the gospel was far greater than any loss he suffered because of Onesimus. Paul most likely led Philemon to Christ so in that reality Philemon owed his life to Paul (vs 19). Comparatively speaking, forgiving and receiving Onesimus back was a small thing. This act was a test of Philemon's fidelity and obedience to the word of God - forgiving his offender and receiving him back as a beloved brother.   Paul needed this benefit from Philemon - to forgive Onesimus to refresh his soul (vs 20). Paul went on to say he knew that Philemon would do even more than what Paul asked of him (vs 21).  

Lastly, Paul requests that Philemon prepares a place for him so that he could stay with him. Paul anticipated that he would be released from prison. Paul greets Philemon on behalf of his fellow prisoner Epaphras. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke (Author of the book of Luke and Acts, vs 25) also sent their greetings.