This is the shortest letter written by Paul in the New Testament and is classified as a prison epistle (written while Paul was imprisoned). Philemon is closely associated with the book of Colossians and was probably written around the same time, AD 60-62. Paul was writing to Philemon, a relatively wealthy man owning a respectably sized house (v.2) and also at least one slave named Onesimus. Philemon was a follower of Christ and his home was even used as a gathering place for a church as indicated in verse 2. The real thrust of this letter is not about a church or even a doctrinal treatise, but rather written to address an isolated circumstance which transpired between Philemon and his slave, Onesimus. Apparently Onesimus had stolen something from Philemon and ran away. This act, under Roman law, was punishable by death. In God’s providence, Onesimus fled to Rome (where countless runaway slaves hid) and met the apostle Paul who was being held as a prisoner. Although we are not certain of the circumstances surrounding this providential meeting, Onesimus came to faith in Jesus Christ under the teaching of Paul. It seems that Onesimus was honest with Paul about his situation so Paul sent this letter by the hand of Onesimus who carried it to Philemon. In this very personal letter, Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him as a brother in the faith. Even though Paul never uses the word forgiveness, this letter relevantly explains the meaning of the act of forgiveness. In the brief twenty-five verses, the reader is challenged to be characterized by mercy even when people treat you wrong. Paul’s message is clear – may those of us who have been forgiven of much be the quickest to forgive others.
Dear God, teach me about mercy and forgiveness through the reading of Philemon.
