v8-21 Paul's Plea for Onesimus

17-20

Paul is using his position to appeal here. Willing to pay the price for Onesimus.

But what does v20 mean?

Paul is being like Christ to Onesimus.

v10

Onesimus came to Christ while Paul was in prison

v11

  • What does Paul mean when he said "formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me"
  • Is this speaking of Onesimus' change from non-believer to believer? YES

v19

  • It seems like Philemon owns Paul his life because Paul was the one who introduced Christ to him (eternal life)
  • Paul writes this with his own hands
  • Referring to the fact that many author have a scribe that writes for them?

Philimon has a house big enough to host churches and owns slaves. Which suggest that he is quite wealthy

Useless

By stealing from Philimon and running away. Onesimus becomes useless to Philemon. But now that he has became a Christian. He is now both useful to Paul and Philemon

Useful in what way?

Paul would have been glad to keep Onesimus, but in respect for Philimon he sends him back.

v1-3 Greeting

Author

  • Paul and Timothy
  • Primary author is Paul (v4)
  • Paul is in prison (v1, 9, 10, 13, 23)

v4-7 Thanksgiving

Paul's imprisonment in Rome (Acts 27, 28)

Time

  • A.D. 62
  • Around the same time when Paul wrote Colossians or Ephesians
    • All three letters sent with Tychicus and Onesimus

Philemon is a faithful believer (v4-5)

  • in faith and love toward Jesus and all. believers

Outline

What was the culture like in term of owning slaves?

There were mostly house churches in the Early Church

Audience

  • Personal letter to Philemon but Paul intends it to be read to the entire church that meets in Philemon's house (v2)
  • Apphia, Archippus
  • Colossae

Was Philemon a Christian before having Onesimus as a slave?

Onesimus

  • Mean useful or beneficial (v10, 20). Word play going here it seems

Paul's Tone

  • Appealing instead of commanding (he could have)
  • Old man, servant of God and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus (Philippians)

v15

  • Back forever
    • Definitely not as a slave, v16 says, back forever as a brother in Christ

v16

What is a bond servant? Someone bound to a master for a specific amount of time. But can still own property, gain social advancement, and buy back their freedom.

Likely that Paul was dictating the letter to Timothy and at this point he writes and signs the letter himself to guarantee that he will repay

v21-22

Paul is confident that Philemon will do what he says

Paul asks Philemon to preapre a room for him because he hopes that he is able to visit him.

Purpose of the Book

  • Sending Onesimus back to Philemon
  • To reconcile broken relationship between servant and master into a new relationship

v23-25 Final Greeting