Jon Kirby
Religion 314
11/19/02
Presentation Outline
The Theology of Philemon
Author/Location/Date:
Written by the Apostle Paul, only extreme negative critics have disputed the authorship of Philemon.[1] Has a close connection to the letter of Colossians. Paul wrote this as a prisoner, from the same place he wrote Colossians.[2] There are three possible locations, Rome, Caesarea, and Ephesus. Although most likely written in a prison in Rome, both letters written fairly early in Paul’s first Roman imprisonment around 60-61 A.D.[3]
Purpose:
When writing this letter, Paul’s purpose was to plea for Onesimus to come back and evangelize with him.[4] Paul came to learn that Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, and wrote this letter arguing for Onesimus.[5] Although Paul wanted him for his ministry, he never tries to exert his apostolic authority on Philemon.[6] Since Philemon was also a follower of Christ, Paul could have demanded that Onesimus be freed, but he took a different approach.[7]
It can be assumed that Paul did achieve his purpose in writing this letter, for Onesimus was freed. We know this because, the letter was preserved in the Canon if he was not freed the letter would probably been destroyed.[8] This shows that Onesimus probably cherished the letter, and wanted others to read it.[9] Most scholars believe Onesimus went on to become a bishop of Ephesus, and there he was able to publicize the letter.[10] Another way we know he was freed is that the same Onesimus appears in “Colossians,” he is mentioned as a companion of Tychirus.[11]
Theological Themes:
The main theme I found in Philemon is the concept of slavery. This letter does not seem to be a Pauline declaration about the institution of slavery, for it is different from regulations laid for slaves in the past.[12] Other Pauline writings say to stay in the position you are in when you become a believer, follow your master like you would follow Christ, and give obedience to your masters like slaves of God( Col 3:22-4:1, Eph 6:5-9, 1 Cor 7:20-24).[13] By emphasizing Onesimus as a dearly loved Christian brother, Paul changes the master-slave relationship.[14] Which goes against the hierarchy of social relations that slavery is built upon, questioning the institution of slavery among believers.[15]
This letter shows that Love must be shown to the slave as much as to the free person.[16] Philemon contains the illustration needed to break down social and cultural barriers through Christ.[17] Legally Philemon could have kept Onesimus as a slave, but Paul shows him that they are brothers in Christ, and both have the same master in heaven.
You can also see the gospel portrayed in Paul’s request for Onesimus. “When we come to God in repentance and faith, he welcomes us as if we were Christ and gives us new status.”[18] It also shows the gospels power to transform his followers. God can take us as useless people, and make us very useful. Onesimus actually means “useful” in Greek.[19]
Cranford, Lorin.
“Relationships among the Prison Letters”
http://www.cranfordville.com/paul-pris.htm: 11/18/02
Fitzmyer,
Joseph. The Anchor Bible: The Letter to
Philemon. New York: Doubleday,
2000
Harris, M.J.
“Philemon.” New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. T. Desmond
Alexander, 336-37. Downers Grove, Illinois:
Intervarsity Press. 2000
O’Brien,
Peter T. Word Biblical Commentary: Colossians and Philemon. Waco Texas:
Word Book Publishers, 1982
[1] O’Brien, Peter T. Word Biblical Commentary: Colossians and Philemon. Waco Texas: Word Book Publishers, 1982, 269
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Fitzmyer, Joseph. The Anchor Bible: The Letter to Philemon. New York: Doubleday, 2000, 23
[5] Ibid 23
[6] Ibid 24
[7] Ibid 24
[8] O’Brien, Peter T. Word Biblical Commentary: Colossians and Philemon. Waco Texas: Word Book Publishers, 1982, 268
[9] Ibid
[10] Ibid 265
[11] Cranford, Lorin. “Relationships among the Prison Letters”
[12] Fitzmyer, Joseph. The Anchor Bible: The Letter to Philemon. New York: Doubleday, 2000, 24
[13] Ibid
[14] Harris, M.J. “Philemon.” New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. T. Desmond Alexander, 336-37. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press. 2000, 336
[15] Ibid
[16] Ibid
[17] Ibid
[18] Ibid 337
[19] Ibid 337