Philemon appears to have been a comparatively wealthy Colossian who owned slaves, as did most of the rich in his day.1He evidently came to faith in Christ as a result of Paul's influence (v. 19), perhaps when Paul was residing at Ephesus. Onesimus was one of Philemon's slaves and was probably a native Phrygian. He ran away from his master probably not because Philemon treated him cruelly but perhaps because he dealt with him graciously. He eventually made his way to Rome where he could have lost himself in the crowd. There, as a result of divine providence, he came into contact with Paul and became a Christian (v. 10).
Following his conversion Onesimus became a valuable helper to the apostle (v. 11). Paul desired to keep Onesimus with him but felt a greater responsibility to return the slave to his Christian master (vv. 13-14). Onesimus had to make things right with Philemon whom he had wronged. Paul and Onesimus both knew the danger the slave faced in returning since slave owners had absolute authority over their slaves and often treated them as property rather than as people.2Paul wrote this brief appeal to pacify Philemon and to affect a reconciliation between the slave and his master. His other purposes were to commend Philemon for showing compassion to other believers (vv. 1-7), to announce his plans to visit Philemon following his anticipated release (vv. 8-22), and to send greetings from his associates (vv. 23-25).
". . . Philemon provides insight both into the social realities of ancient society, in this case the relations between master and slave, which is surpassed only by 1 Corinthians, and into the way in which influence was brought to bear within the earliest churches between parties of differing social status."3
Paul probably addressed the epistle to Apphia, Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon's house to rally the support of other Christians to encourage Philemon in his Christian responsibility.
When Paul sent Tychicus with epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians, Onesimus probably went with him. Paul intended that this letter, along with Tychicus' personal entreaty for Onesimus, would secure the slave's forgiveness and acceptance. Since Paul evidently sent this letter with the Epistle to the Colossians, as comparison of the two documents suggests, he probably wrote them in Rome at the same time (60-62 A.D.).4
As is true of so many of the shorter Bible books, this one too is an illustration (cf. Ruth and Esther). Philemon in particular illustrates the outworking in life of the great doctrines taught in the other Pauline writings, especially the other Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. In Philemon there are pictures of individuals, pictures of social relationships, pictures of Christian doctrine, and pictures of ethical obedience.
Note first the pictures of individuals.
Paul is the first main individual in Philemon. This letter reveals much about Paul's character.
We see him here as a man triumphing over circumstances (vv. 1, 9). Paul behaved supernaturally by Christ's power in him. He was a prisoner in Rome. He may have felt frustrated as he sought to fulfill his calling as a pioneer missionary. However he viewed himself as Christ's prisoner. He was where he was by Christ's appointment. Fellowship with Christ enables one to triumph over circumstances.
We also see Paul triumphing over the temptation to flaunt personal authority (vv. 8-9). Paul had the authority to command as an apostle, but he chose instead to beseech in love. This is how God deals with us (2 Cor. 5:20). This is how love behaves.
Paul also triumphed over personal inclinations. Paul's personal preference was to keep Onesimus with him (v. 13, "I wished"). Nevertheless he let what he knew to be right overrule his preference (v. 14, "I did not want"). He did what was best for all concerned, not just what he wanted. Paul's great intellect and extreme devotion to the Lord often come to mind when we think of him. However the qualities of character illustrated in Philemon are most profound. They show the supernatural work of Christ in his life. In all, Paul illustrates the triumph of Christianity in these three ways.
Onesimus is the second individual pictured in Philemon. His name literally means Useful (v. 11).
In him we see the radical change God works in any life that He regenerates.
What was unprofitable became profitable. What was waste God made valuable.
Philemon is the third individual pictured (vv. 5, 7).
Two principles governed Philemon: faith and love. Faith in the Lord should result in love for the saints. This is what God desires to produce in every Christian.
This epistle also contains illustrations of social relationships.
Paul's relationship with Philemon illustrates what "love seeks not its own"(1 Cor. 13:5) means (v. 14). If Philemon had responded out of necessity it would have been good, but if he responded out of his own free will it would be better. Paul desired the best for Philemon. Paul was always seeking to develop the best in others.
Paul's relationship with Onesimus pictures what "love bears all things"(1 Cor. 13:7) means (v. 18). Paul acted like a roof over Onesimus' head sheltering his friend beneath. That is the relationship Christ desires to create between people (Gal. 6:2; 1 Pet. 4:8).
The relationship between Onesimus and Philemon shows what "love suffers long and is kind"(1 Cor. 13:4) means (vv. 16-17). Onesimus was willing to go back to accept the consequences and to fulfill his obligations because of Christ's work in him. Furthermore Philemon was able to receive the runaway slave kindly and graciously because of Christ's work in him. Reconciliation is a painful process sometimes, but it is very important.
The relationship of the Christians in the church that met in Philemon's house demonstrates what "love never fails"(1 Cor. 13:8) means (v. 2). When one member suffers, all suffer. When one rejoices, all rejoice. When one repents, all repent and receive him back. When one forgives, all forgive and enter into greater unity than ever before. The picture of this runaway slave being received back into the church as a brother and partner with all is the ideal of the church. All walk together in common life, common light, and common love. Acceptance after repentance is also important. Love does not keep a record of offenses.
This epistle also contains illustrations of Christian doctrine.
Paul's plan that Philemon accept Onesimus as he would Paul illustrates the doctrine of our acceptance in Christ (v. 17). Even though we have offended God, He accepts us as He accepts His own Son because Christ stands behind us. He is our sponsor.
Paul's offer to Philemon to charge Onesimus' debt to Paul's account illustrates the doctrine of God's imputing our guilt to Christ (v. 18). Christ volunteered to pay our debt of sin in our place. He is our substitute.
Paul's reminder of what Philemon owed him because God's grace had reached Philemon through Paul illustrates the doctrine of the obligation imposed on every recipient of Christ's grace (v. 19). Because Christ has brought us God's grace we have an obligation to obey Christ (Rom. 12:1-2). He is our sovereign.
How does Philemon illustrate the great ethical emphases of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians? This epistle illustrates what it means to be filled with the Spirit, the great command in Ephesians (5:18).
It illustrates what it means to be controlled by the mind of Christ, the great command in Philippians (2:5).
It also illustrates what it means to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, the great command in Colossians (3:16).
Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus illustrated all these acts in this short epistle.
All the necessary resources are in Christ.
Philemon teaches us that life in Christ changes every relationship.
It also teaches us that our relationships to others test and demonstrate our relationship to Christ.
It further teaches us that the transformation of the hearts of individuals can overcome social evils such as slavery. We need this reminder today in view of rising crime rates, overcrowded prisons, and increasing lawlessness.
In view of this revelation I would state the message of the book as follows. Life in Christ can and should change every relationship.
The purpose of this book is to provide instruction regarding basic Christian conduct in interpersonal relationships.
Outline
I. Greeting 1-3
II. Thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon 4-7
III. Plea for Onesimus 8-21
A. Paul's appeal 8-11
B. Paul's motives 12-16
C. Paul's request 17
D. Paul's offer 18-20
E. Paul's confidence 21
IV. Concluding matters 22-25
