Bible Commentaries
Philemon

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

A Commentary On

THE BOOK OF PHILEMON

By DON PRUITT

Publisher Charles Allen Bailey

Editor

Executive Editor - Joe L. Norton, Ph.D.

Copyright © 2021
Contending for the Faith Publications
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All scripture quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are taken from
The King James Version, KJV

Introduction

The letter of Paul to Philemon is one of the Prison Epistles. This book, with Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians, was written while the apostle was under house arrest in Rome about A.D. 60-62. In each of these letters, the writer makes mention of his imprisonment (Philemon 1:13; Colossians 4:3; Philippians 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:1). This epistle must have been written at the same time as Colosse’s, and both letters were delivered by Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9).

This epistle is unique among all the other books in the New Testament. It is the shortest of Paul’s letters that we have a record of, and it deals with personal problems between two brethren while his other writings deal with church problems and instructions. Some tend to overlook the importance of this little book because they see it as a personal letter and not a "doctrinal" one as are the other Pauline epistles. But this book is "doctrinal"! It is a masterpiece on Christian forgiveness and intercession, giving us a practical day to day application of these important principles of Christian living.

This epistle must be studied against the background of slavery during the days of the Roman Empire. Slavery was universal. With the establishment of the Lord’s church, first century disciples began to embrace a new concept in religion that led them to revaluate the harsh realities of slavery. Many slaves were converted, but they were taught not to use this new religion as a springboard for rebellion (Ephesians 6:5-8; 1 Peter 2:18-21). Converted masters were taught to be considerate of their slaves (Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1). God’s word upholds the dignity of all human beings as being created in His image. It teaches a concept of brotherhood in Christ and totally destroys the idea of enslaving others to ourselves. We now abide under the great equalizing force of the human race: Christianity.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek," says Paul as he writes to Galatia, "there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). In the sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12); but He did not condemn slavery directly. It was not the purpose of the church to become a political institution to change the existing social order. But, to the contrary, it tore away the very foundation of slavery by changing the attitudes of people toward one another.

The letter is addressed to Philemon--evidently an influential brother in the church as well as citizen in the community of Colosse--his wife Apphia, and their son Archippus, as well as the church that met in their house (verses 1-3). Paul is thankful for the love and faith that Philemon has "toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints." Paul hopes that Philemon’s love for the saints will secure a favorable response to the apostle’s request (verses 4-7).

Philemon had a servant named Onesimus. We know nothing of his life before he met the Apostle Paul except that he was "unprofitable" to Philemon (verse 11). He was a runaway slave who somehow came in contact with Paul in Rome and was converted to Christianity. Paul says he had begotten him "in my bonds," indicating that Onesimus had come to him and not that Paul had sought him out. Now Paul says the slave is "profitable to thee and to me." Paul uses a clever play on words in verse 11 to reduce the tension of his request. The name Onesimus means "profitable." It also is important to see the one thing that changes a man’s life from being unprofitable to becoming profitable is his obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. That gospel is still God’s power to change the lives of men and women today and save them from their sins (Romans 1:16).

Paul writes this letter to ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to take him back. He urges him to receive this one, not as a servant, but as a brother beloved. Paul requests that Philemon receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul (verses 16-17). This matter was so important to Paul that he volunteered to pay his debts. Based upon his statement, "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught" (verse 18), many feel Onesimus had robbed his master before he left. There is no evidence, however, of such a crime. The apostle more likely is showing that Philemon has suffered loss by losing this slave and his services. Paul asks that Philemon receive Onesimus as a brother, expressing confidence that he will go beyond what has been suggested (verse 21).

The writer closes his brief letter by expressing his hope to visit Philemon in his home soon. He also sends the greetings of his fellow workers to Philemon as well as the grace of Jesus Christ (verses 22-25).

WORKS CITED

Barnes, Albert. Notes on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Michigan: Kregel Publications, 1966.

MacKnight, James, D.D. MacKnight on the Epistles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1984.

Vine, W.E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Vol. II. New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1966.