The book of Philemon is a short letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian who lived in Colossae. Though only 25 verses long, Philemon provides valuable insights into Christian relationships and attitudes. Here is a summary of the key events and themes of this important book:
Background
Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned in Rome around AD 60-62 (Philemon 1:1). Philemon was a Greek citizen wealthy enough to own slaves, one of whom was Onesimus. Though Philemon became a Christian under Paul’s ministry, his slave Onesimus had wronged him in some way and fled as a runaway slave. Somehow Onesimus came into contact with Paul in Rome and through his influence became a Christian. Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back with grace and forgiveness.
Greeting from Paul
The letter begins with Paul’s standard greeting in his epistles, introducing himself as the author along with Timothy (Philemon 1:1-3). He addresses this letter to Philemon as well as Apphia (likely Philemon’s wife), Archippus (likely Philemon’s son), and the church that met in Philemon’s house.
Paul’s Prayer for Philemon
Paul begins by praising Philemon for his reputation of love and faith, especially toward the Lord Jesus and other believers. He tells Philemon that he always remembers him in his prayers, praying that his faith would remain effective as he understands every good thing he has in Christ (Philemon 1:4-6).
Plea to Accept Onesimus with Forgiveness
Paul makes an appeal to Philemon to accept Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Though Paul had the authority as an apostle to command Philemon to do this, he preferred to appeal on the basis of love. He pleaded with Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as he would welcome Paul himself (Philemon 1:17).
Paul says he would have liked to keep Onesimus with him while he was in prison, since Onesimus had become like a son to him during their time together. However, he felt it right to send Onesimus back to Philemon (Philemon 1:12-14). Paul tells Philemon to receive Onesimus back with the same grace with which God had received Philemon. He encourages Philemon to view Onesimus no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:15-16).
Paul’s Offer to Repay
Since Onesimus had likely stolen from Philemon when he left, Paul offered to repay anything Onesimus owed. He tells Philemon that he has incurred a debt from Onesimus that Philemon should charge to Paul’s own account (Philemon 1:18-19). Paul reminds Philemon that he owes his very life and conversion to Paul (Philemon 1:19). So if Philemon had any reservations about forgiving Onesimus, Paul offered to make personal restitution.
Confidence in Philemon’s Obedience
After making his requests of Philemon clear, Paul expressed confidence that Philemon would welcome Onesimus back and grant forgiveness, since he knew Philemon would want to do even more than what Paul asked. Paul expected Philemon to do the right thing and honor the Lord by forgiving Onesimus and treating him as a brother (Philemon 1:20-21).
Final Greetings
Paul closes the letter by requesting lodging from Philemon, since he expected to visit Colossae after being released from prison. He sends greetings from his fellow workers, then offers a final benediction of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ on the church at Philemon’s house (Philemon 1:22-25).
Key Themes
Though brief, Philemon highlights several important themes and principles:
- All believers in Christ are spiritual equals, regardless of social standing.
- Christian relations should be marked by love, grace, and forgiveness rather than duty or obligation.
- Believers should be reconciled in Christ rather than divided by grievances.
- Forgiveness and restoration reflect the gospel’s transformative power.
Paul’s Approach with Philemon
This letter gives insights into Paul’s pastoral approach. Note how he:
- Appeals to love and unity rather than giving commands.
- Seeks voluntary action prompted by the heart vs. required duty.
- Reminds Philemon of his debt to Paul as leverage.
- Lavishes praise on Philemon before making requests.
- Expresses tactful confidence in Philemon’s obedience.
This relational finesse left room for Philemon to freely grant Paul’s requests, resulting in genuine unity and reconciliation with Onesimus.
Onesimus’ Background
Though the letter gives minimal details, we can surmise:
- Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who wronged his master and ran away.
- He encountered Paul in Rome and through his ministry became a Christian.
- Under Paul’s mentoring, he became like a spiritual son to Paul.
- Though useful to Paul, Paul sent him back to make restitution with Philemon.
- Paul hoped Onesimus would be reconciled and serve Christ alongside Philemon.
Outcome
Church history records that Philemon graciously forgave Onesimus and freed him to return and serve with Paul. Though slavery continued, this letter began to plant seeds of equality among believers in Christ regardless of social standing. Paul highlights how the gospel transforms relationships and changes how believers view one another.
Application
Philemon reminds believers to:
- Pursue unity, grace, and reconciliation in the church.
- Value people over personal offense or grievances.
- Extend Christlike forgiveness toward others.
- Embrace fellow believers as spiritual equals despite backgrounds.
- Let the gospel reshape how we view and relate to others.
Just as Christ has forgiven us, we must forgive others. The transformative power of the gospel enables relationships defined by love rather than status, privilege, or offense. Philemon illustrates how the gospel can begin to tear down worldly barriers and transform how believers view one another in the church.