Philemon

definitely the author and nothing needs to confirm that. The “external testimony is

unimpeachable.” (Smith, p.510) The letter was written to Philemon on behalf of

Onesimus. Philemon lived in Colosse and we know this because Onesimus was also

Colossian which is confirmed in Colossians 4:9. Philemon was a man of property and

influence. It is not known exactly how he knew Paul though.(Smith, p.509) Paul did

address others in the letter. One of which was Apphia, a Christian woman. She was a

member of Philemon’s household and may have been his wife.(Smith, p.47) It also

includes Archippus who was a Christian teacher in Colosse. He is also mentioned in the

book of Colossians. Archippus might have also been a member of Philemon’s

Some believe that Paul did not intend this to be a personal letter. They base this

assumption on the fact that he addressed other people.(Tenney, p.753) Philemon lived in

Colosse at the time, and as I mentioned before, we know that because of Paul’s final

greetings toward some of the Colossian people mentioned in both Philemon and

. . .
510)

During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, Onesimus was with him. We should be

the ones who repay our own debts, but because of God’s love for us, He sent His Son in

order to pay the price. He was hoping that slaves would be

treated as equals. Paul made it clear that for whatever wrongs Onesimus had caused to Philemon, he

(Paul) would repay all the debts.

Others are sure he stole something from Philemon. is letter during his first imprisonment in Rome.

The first being the issue of slavery.

One of the themes of Philemon has to do with slavery. Paul then goes on to tell that he will be sending Onesimus to Philemon. He wanted them to focus on the reward in heaven

that they would receive. Paul wanted

Philemon to accept Onesimus back because he was no longer just a servant, but a brother

in Christ. Paul tells Philemon in

the next paragraph that he will be willing to repay any debts that Onesimus owes him. 755)

During the time that this letter was written, slavery was very common.

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Approximate Word count = 1678
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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