Historical & Cultural Background of Philemon

Questions about the Author

Author is Paul (v. 1 & 9). Paul is in prison (v. 1, 9, 10,13) Paul is old (v. 9)

What do we know about the author’s family heritage?

What do we know about the author’s family heritage?

What was the educational background of the author?

What were the occupational skills of the author?

What cultural advantages did the author possess?

What religious experiences shaped the life of the author?

Questions Related to the Audience

Who are they?

Philemon - specifically (vs. 7 - “you, brother”), also Apphia, Archippus, church in your house. (vs. 1-2)

New Testament

Jew or Gentile

Believers - “beloved brother” “fellow worker” “sister” “fellow soldier” (vs. 1-2) “God our Father” (vs. 3)

Familiar - Paul knew them

Where are they located?

These epithets imply that he, unlike most of the Colossian church (Col. 2:1),

When did the writing take place?

What is their situation?

Socially

Spiritually

Why was the book written?

Explicit references to purpose - To free Onesimus (v. 16)

Implicit references to purpose

Repitition of themes

Slavery

Imprisonment

Brotherhood

Collection of imperatives

Cultural Contexts

Political

Geographical

Economic

Slavery

Legal

Slavery

Imprisonment

Agricultural

Military

Family

Dietary

Architectural

Clothing

Social

Slavery

Religious

Judaism

Christianity

Philosophical