Philemon- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Paul
• Audience: Philemon, believers in Colossae
• Original Greek Name: Φιλήμονα
• Translated Hebrew Name: פילמון
• Common English Name: Philemon
• Transliteration: Philemona
• Meaning: Philemon
• Date Created: c 60 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 60 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • Paul
  • Philemon
  • Onesimus
• Key Themes:
  • Paul's appreciation of Philemon and his friendship (Philemon 1-7)
  • Paul's appeal to Philemon for Onesimus (Philemon 8-25)
• Date Canonized: c 70-170 CE
• Abstract:

  Philemon was a co-laborer with Paul in the work of ministry.  Philemon's slave, Onesimus, had stolen some property and run away.  Paul later met Onesimus and led him to faith in Messiah Yeshua.  Paul writes to Philemon, urging him to reconcile with Onesimus and accept him back into his household as a fellow believer rather than as a slave.  Noting that Onesimus (which means "useful") was formerly "useless" to Philemon but, as a believer, is now "useful" to both of them, Paul sends Onesimus back to his former master.  He expresses his willingness to pay any debt Onesimus owed to Philemon and thus encourages all believers to reconcile.

• Location Created: Rome
• Content Location: Colossae, Rome
• Teaches:
  • Believers should forgive others.
  • There are no barriers that can separate us from G-d's love.
  • Believers should respect others as individuals who can make their own choices.
• Chapters: 1
• Verses: 25