Philemon Introduction
Starter Quote
This Letter to Philemon is the shortest in the Pauline corpus, and yet it involves a story that is far bigger than it, because it stems from the imprisoned Apostle and concerns an issue of broad social concern in the ancient world in which he lived, the relation of a slave to his master. In order to understand the letter, one has to try to comprehend the story behind the writing.
Background Information
Author
Date
Audience
Genre
Outline of Book
Purpose of Philemon
Paul wrote Philemon requesting a transformed relationship between him and Onesimus
Theology
Radical redemptive reconciliation
Spiritual equality amongst Christ-followers
Sacrificial mediation
Quotes on the book of Philemon
Though Philemon has been described as “one of the most charming letters ever written,” some have seen it as disturbing since Paul seems to deal with the issue of slavery without voicing any explicit critique of such an oppressive institution. Others have dismissed it as insignificant, not only because of its size, but also because its subject matter (dealing with a personal matter between two private individuals). Moreover, Paul seems less than clear about what he wishes to accomplish with this letter. Finally, to the contemporary audience, this letter, which deals neither with significant doctrinal matters nor with prominent Christian spiritual practices, seems at best an archaic note limited in value.