The Book of Philemon

Description

The Book of Philemon is commonly referred to the letter that Paul the Apostle wrote to his friend Philemon, on behalf of a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus. Although it is believed that Paul had written the letter with the aid of his “brother” Timothy, there are very few doubts as to the fact that Paul was the actual author of the Epistle – unlike in the case of some other writings. The Book of Philemon is considered today to be one of the only undisputed works of Paul.

The book itself outlines the importance of forgiveness, as taught by Jesus Christ. It is extremely important for it to be understood in the context of the world as it was during the age of the Roman Empire, roughly around 60-62 AD. In this world, slavery was such an integrated part of regular society that even figures such as Paul the Apostle or Jesus Christ were not able to abolish it. Instead, it was accepted as a part of human existence, as it was perceived at the time.

In The Book of Philemon, Paul urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus from running away, bringing convincing arguments in favor of forgiveness in the genuine Christian spirit. Paul’s words have since remained some of the most commonly quoted passages in Christian Scripture, and continue to be regarded as a good moral example of how a true Christian should approach life.

Additional themes in the Book also explore the idea of equality, arguing that equality between believers is to be regarded as complete, and Philemon should welcome Onesimus back as a fellow Christian brother, and not as a slave. Paul also speaks of the gifts of grace, gratitude and love as some of the most important aspects of the message that Jesus Christ had to impart to his followers.
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