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Running Head: LETTER TO PHILEMON 1

Letter to Philemon

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LETTER TO PHILEMON

Introduction

The epistle of Philemon was the shortest of all the letters that Paul wrote. The reason he

wrote this letter was to beg Philemon not to punish Onesimus (Erasmus, 2016). It was an appeal

for reconciliation between a master and his slave, which is an illustration of a relationship

between brothers in salvation. Onesimus who was a slave to Philemon had escaped without his

master’s approval and met Paul in jail where he was converted to Christianity. Paul felt that

because Onesimus had become a brother in Christ, he deserved to be treated as such by

Philemon. Thus, according to Paul, there should be respect between the master and slave who

should do everything wholeheartedly.

Relationship between Paul and Philemon

Paul and Philemon were brothers in Christ. From the letter that Paul wrote, it shows that

both knew each other before this incident. Paul addresses Philemon as “our beloved and co-

worker and acknowledges how he remembers Philemon in his prayers,” (Phil 1:1). Their

friendship made Paul even ask for the preparation of a guest room so that he can visit Philemon.

Moreover, Paul request Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would have welcomed him if he

regarded him his partner (Phil 1:17). Both were men of God and preached the gospel and is on

this basis that Paul based his request. Paul as a senior brother in faith tries to be very partial as he

pleads for Onesimus to avoid influencing the decisions of Philemon if he (Philemon) decides to

forgive his slave (Tolmie, 2016). Paul explains to Philemon how useful Onesimus is to them and

the church. He goes further and confesses to Philemon that he would have wished to keep

Onesimus to himself, but that would not be right as Onesimus was his (Philemon’s) slave and it

would be better if Philemon gave Onesimus to him (Paul) voluntary. Thus, this shows that there

LETTER TO PHILEMON

is respect for these two gentlemen. Moreover, Paul knew Onesimus belonged to another person,

and as such, it was necessary to send him back to his owner. The relationship between these two

men of God was so cordial to the extent that Paul volunteered to pay anything that Onesimus

owed to Philemon. In doing so, Paul goes a step further and cements his relationship with

Philemon (Erasmus, 2016).

Difference Made Between Master and Slave by Onesimus’ Conversion

When Onesimus was escaping from his master Philemon, he was a slave. Their masters

had exclusive rights and could punish them for any wrong doing that they wished. In extreme

times, slaves would be executed by their masters. After conversion to Christianity, Paul expected

to see a change in the relationship between a master and slave. For instance, Paul encouraged

Philemon to take back Onesimus, not as a slave anymore, but as a fellow brother in Christ. Paul

says that Onesimus was useless before he knew Christ, a thing that changed after he was

converted (Erasmus, 2016). Both men would be serving God by spreading the gospel and

bringing more souls to God.

Expectations of Paul

In his letter, Paul indicates some things he wants Philemon to do. Though not clearly

outlined, his statements and sentiments in the letter led to a better understanding of a new

relationship between a slave and master. He sends requests asking Philemon to accept Onesimus

in a similar manner he would take him (Paul) in his house.

Paul says that he will send Onesimus similarly to how he would send his own heart (Phil

1:12). He even refers Onesimus as a brother in Christ making an appeal to Philemon. He hopes

that Philemon would change his heart and look at the matter at hand in Christian perspective,

LETTER TO PHILEMON

rather than in a master-servant relationship. This relationship can be extended or elaborated by

Philemon extending God’s blessing to Onesimus.

Secondly, Paul requests Philemon to charge him anything that Onesimus owes or any

injustice (Phil 1:18). Paul indicates that he wrote the letter with his hands (Phil 19:1). To add

onto that, Paul says that Philemon owes his salvation to him (Phil 19:1). Paul also required

Philemon to refresh his heart to Christ. The benefit that he wants from Philemon is forgiveness.

He passionately requests Philemon to forgive Onesimus as he wishes that Onesimus returns to

his master without any problem.

Paul’s Stand on Slavery

Paul clearly respects the relationship that has been established between a slave and

master. It is for that reason he did not take Onesimus to himself, but did send him to his master

Philemon. Paul makes it clear that Philemon has authority over Onesimus, and Philemon is the

one who can willing give Onesimus to Paul. However, he wishes that the relationship be

modified, where Philemon would view Onesimus as a brother in Christ for he had been

converted. During those ancient days, slavery was crucial in the lives of the people. Slavery

practiced in those days was not racial. However, he attempts to convince Philemon not to treat

Onesimus in a cruel manner.

Paul appeals for forgiveness. In this letter, Paul doesn’t condemn slavery nor does he

uphold it. In his other letter to the Corinthians, Paul states that he, who is called to salvation as a

slave, becomes free (1Cor 7:20-24). Paul seems to speak about spiritual freedom as he says that

“you (slaves) were bought at a price, thus do not become slaves of human beings,” (Roetzel,

2015). He adds that “every individual is answerable to God and should remain in the situation

LETTER TO PHILEMON

they were called in,” (Roetzel, 2015). This shows that Paul respects the structure of slave and

master relationship. This can be supported by Col 3:22 where servants are called to respect their

master and serve them with the fear of the Lord.

Similarly, in Eph 6: 5-9, slaves are taught to serve their masters wholeheartedly, while

their masters are cautioned against mistreating them for their God who is just; is watching. In

1Tim 6:1-2, the slaves who have masters that are believers are encouraged not to disrespect them

as their masters are dear to them as they are devoted to their slave’s welfare. In Titus 2: 9-10,

preachers of gospels are encouraged to teach slaves on how to be respectful and responsible in

their duties so that they may make the gospel attractive to their master. These scriptures show

that Paul has great respect for the social structures that have been established by God.

Conclusion

Paul letter to Philemon is a classical example of how a slave who converted to

Christianity was treated in those days (Erasmus, 2016). The letter also shows how much Paul

considered salvation to be important, even to a slave. Paul also gave a subjective test that

Christians should prove themselves on salvation. He appeals to Philemon to subject the blessing

that God has granted him to Onesimus, through forgiveness. To Paul, Onesimus was very

important that he decided even to pay for any debt that he had to his master showing that

everyone was invited to Christianity.

LETTER TO PHILEMON

References

Tolmie, D. F. (2016). Paul's exercise of authority in the Letter to Philemon: A perspective from

the 4th and 5th centuries CE. In die Skriflig, 50(2), 1-7.

Erasmus, D. (2016). New Testament Scholarship: Paraphrases on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus

and Philemon, the Epistles of Peter and Jude, the Epistle of James, the Epistles of John,

and the Epistle to the Hebrews. University of Toronto Press.

Roetzel, C. J. (2015). The Letters of Paul: Conversations in Context. Presbyterian Publishing

Corp.

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