Sermon Tone Analysis

Starter Quote

Anchor Yale Bible Commentary

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

Paul

Date

Between 55-62 AD while Paul is in prison in Ephesus or Rome

Audience

Writing is addressed to Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus

Philemon is the primary recipient

Genre

Personal letter of request

Outline of Book

Philemon 1-3 - Greetings

Philemon 4-7 - Philemon’s Character

Philemon 8-16 - Paul’s Request

Philemon 17-22 - Paul Intercedes

Philemon 23-25 - Final Greetings

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

ZECNT - 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.