This epistle which consists of only one chapter, has such strong and beautiful statements that it is considered to be a gem in the Holy Bible. It reveals the real fatherhood of the ministers of Christ, Christian love, and forgiveness. It demonstrates the power of the gospel in winning over a runaway thief and slave, and in changing his master's mind. It reveals the faith that works by love.
AUTHOR
A personal letter of intercession written by St. Paul, probably from Rome, to Philemon at Colossae in Asia Minor (Col. 4: 7-9). It was written near the end St. Paul's first Roman imprisonment at the same time as Ephesians and Colossians.
PHILEMON
He was apparently a member of the Church of Colossae, which seems to have held its assemblies in his house [v. 2]; and he became its bishop.
Philemon's benevolence [v. 5-7] and St. Paul's request for him to prepare a lodging [v. 22] indicate that he was a man of some means.
St. Paul had never been in Colossae (Col. 2: 1), Philemon must have met him elsewhere, possibly in Ephesus, which was not far away. Some scholars believe that, though not recorded, that St. Paul visited Colossae during his three years stay at Ephesus (Acts). It would seem that Philemon owed his conversion to St. Paul [v.19].
THE STORY OF ONESIMUS
Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, who robbed his master and ran away to Rome [v. 18]. Hisconduct was in sharp contrast to his name which means "useful" or "profitable" [v. 11], yet he was a very talented man. In about A.D. 61 or 62, he had been brought face to face with St. Paul, probably through his fellow-townsman Epaphras (Col. 4: 12). Onesimus found Christ as his Savior, was baptized, and became His devoted disciple (Col. 4: 9). St. Paul would have chosen to keep Onesimus in Rome as a helper [v. 13], but did not have the consent of Philemon [v. 14]. St. Paul felt that it was his Christian duty to send the slave home and plead with Philemon to take him back. So the apostle wrote this priceless epistle of intercession, pleading with Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus as his brother.
THE EPISTLE MESSAGE
St. Paul wished to save the runaway slave from the severe and cruel punishment he deserved according to Roman law, which gave the runaway slave no rights of life or liberty.
This epistle shows St. Paul as an example of the following:
- The pastoral or fatherly love towards everybody, especially the lowly. He used to take care of everyone, even a runaway slave, as if he was his only son.
- Wisdom in dealing with Philemon, who was injured by his runaway slave Onesimus. At the same time, St. Paul realized the Christian brotherhood that obliterated all social and class distinctions.
- Regarding the duty of obedience to the law on the part of converts, Onesimus must return to his master.
- Using the abilities and gifts of every member of the church, St. Paul noticed that the converted slave was very gifted, could serve Christ [v. 17, 18] and work for the edification of the Church. Onesimus helped the Apostle Paul and then was ordained bishop, taking care of Christ's people.
- Interceding for others: St. Paul's intercession for Onesimus breathes the unique propitious intercession of Christ for His own before the Father. St. Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as if he were Paul himself, and to put any demerit on his account. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our representative before the Father; all our sins are reckoned or imputed to His account.