Lecture Notes: The Letter to Philemon

Introduction

• Philemon is the fourth of the prison letters by Paul that we are studying, written around 59-61 AD during Paul's imprisonment, likely in Rome.
• Authorship: Attributed to Paul.
• Purpose: Addressing the reconciliation and relationship between Philemon, a slave owner, and Onesimus, his runaway slave turned Christian.

Context

• Written at the same time as Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
• Paul's imprisonment could have been in Rome, with some scholars suggesting possibly in Caesarea or Ephesus.
• Similar optimism in Paul's letters suggests a Roman imprisonment due to the anticipation of his release.

Key Characters

• Philemon: A wealthy Colossian and Christian who owned slaves.
• Onesimus: Philemon's slave who ran away after stealing from him, later converted to Christianity by Paul.
• Apostle Paul: Writes to Philemon to address Onesimus's status and advocate for his freedom.

The Story

• Onesimus fled to Rome to disappear in the crowd, similar to hiding in a large city today.
• He met Paul, converted to Christianity, and became a minister.
• Under Roman law, Paul had two options regarding Onesimus:
  1. Return Onesimus to Philemon.
  2. Sell Onesimus and send the money to Philemon.
• Paul chooses the first option, sending Onesimus back with a letter to Philemon.

Theological Argument

• Paul tactically appeals to Philemon’s Christian values instead of commanding him to free Onesimus.
• He emphasizes Onesimus as a brother in Christ, making slavery a theological absurdity.
• Paul's letter subtly builds a case against slavery as contrary to Christian teachings.

Outline of Philemon

• Verses 1-3: Introduction from Paul to Philemon and the church in his house.
• Verses 4-7: Paul's thanksgiving for Philemon's faithfulness.
• Verses 8-16: Paul's appeal to the gospel to change Philemon's view on slavery.
• Verses 17-22: Paul's real request for Onesimus's release and return as a brother in Christ.
• Verses 22-25: Conclusion and final greetings.

Conclusion

• Paul doesn’t overtly condemn slavery but sets theological grounds that undermine its practice.
• The gospel places all believers, slave and master, on equal footing before God.
• The ultimate message is that the gospel transforms societal norms and relationships, advocating for freedom and equality.