This time, paul is writing his friends philemon, apphia, and archippus. Garland is absolutely top notch perhaps the best in the whole series. The second principle is to identify the literary units. Philemon definition of philemon by the free dictionary. Paul tries to convince philemon to make the right decision. This section also suggests that philemon had provided financial assistance to paul in the past philemon 1. It is directed to philemon, which means kisses or one that is affectionate, in behalf of onesimus, which means profitable or. Watch our overview video on the book of philemon, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. It gives a dynamic meaning to faith in the market place. Living word media teachings 2018 collections explaining the book of philemon. Philemon provides valuable historical insights into the early churchs relationship to the institution of slavery. Philemon commentary john gills exposition of the bible. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian. Philemon with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.
The book of philemon is a letter written by the apostle paul while in prison, to philemon in regards to his slave, onesimus. Onesimus, a slave belonging to philemon, had fled from his master, possibly stealing money in the process vv. Philemon stands as one piece of strong evidence to the contrary, revealing that lofty doctrines such as the love of god, forgiveness in christ, or the inherent dignity of humanity have real and pertinent impact in everyday life. We know from this letter, that philemon was probably a man who had some wealth.
This summary of the book of philemon provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of philemon. Apparently, onesimus stole from his master then ran away to rome where he met paul and became a believer. Philemon 1721 niv so if you consider me a partner, bible. One of pauls shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. Colossians and philemon begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the bible, this is common place in zondervan exegetical commentary series on the new testament. David guzik commentary on pauls letter to philemon, which is a plea to his friend. Yet most people today have never heard of john gill. Philemon 1, new international version niv the bible app. The apostle paul was in rome preaching in his own hired house.
Paul knows how super loving and faithful philemon is. This is because of the information in the book concerning onesimus who had comforted paul while he was in prison philemon 1. Its written to philemon whose slave onesimus ran away and became a believer under pauls teaching. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian new testament. Philemon is a wealthy member of the church at colossae. The book of philemon illustrates that principles like these can and should profoundly affect the lives of believers. Minister, woodland heights christian church, crawfordsville, in no. Onesimus is mentioned in the book of colossians as one of you.
The book of philemon is a prison epistle letter written while in prison, which paul wrote circa 61 a. The epistle is addressed to philemon, with the church in his house, and to sister apphia and archippus. But the bulk of this is mostly addressed to philemon. Read more about paul and his letters in the section epistles of paul. Also, paul asks philemon to accept onesimus as a fellow christian rather than as a slave. After saluting philemon and his family philemon, paul commends him for his love, faith and hospitality philemon 47. Go to the bottom of that page to see the index chapters, which are hot links.
It appears that he was a slave holder before he was saved. Jun 04, 2015 the epistle of of paul to philemon from the holy bible new international version niv book 57 please note we have increased the volume and the pitch of the audio for a clearer sound, so. Philemon synonyms, philemon pronunciation, philemon translation, english dictionary definition of philemon. Book of philemon overview insight for living ministries. It was written to philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant onesimus, who was a new believer in jesus christ. A free bible version and commentary on pauls letter to philemon in easyenglish.
Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary on. Philemon a new testament book containing an epistle. Interpreters have no right to isolate one aspect of truth by excluding others. Summary of the book of philemon story of the bible. The author of the book of philemon was the apostle paul philemon 1. The book of philemon resonates with an understanding of life jesus set forth in the sermon on the mount. The book of philemon niv audio holy bible high quality. The book of philemon was written in approximately a. This summary of the book of philemon provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of philemon. Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary shmoop. Philemon helps show us that the way to peace for every conflict is for all sides to unite in practicing the way of life expounded in the pages of this very remarkable book, the bible.
G dunn, the epistles to the colossians and to philemon. Click on a book listed below which will take you to its introduction page. Onesimus is a brother in gods family and philemon loves him very much. Onesimus later meets paul and becomes a christian 10. This book was written by paul while he was in prison around a. It is a prison letter, coauthored by paul the apostle with timothy, to philemon, a leader in the colossian church.
In the bible book that bears philemons name, paul addressed his beloved brother as a fellow worker, a title given to those who served for a time alongside paul. The book of philemon gives us insight as to how these words in colossians are to be applied to daily living. To philemon our dear friend and fellow worker 2also to apphia our sister and archippus our fellow soldierand to the church that meets in your home. Colossians, ephesians and philemon, paul bound, the gospel. Or lead word, which is the repeated use of a word or its cognates to emphasize a certain thematic point. When a chapter or section is finished, you will see at the bottom of the page over the links, go to the next section. His slave, onesimus, has stolen something from him 18 and run away. For we have great joy and consolation timothy and i are greatly rejoiced and comforted. The apostles joy and praise for philemon s steady faith in the lord jesus, and love to all the saints.
Colossians, philemon the niv application commentary book 12. The apostles joy and praise for philemons steady faith in the lord jesus, and love to all the saints. A summary, synopsis or recap is a shortened version of the original. Apparently philemon was welltodo, for his home was large enough to accommodate the church assemblies, and he was a slave owner. Philemon summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of philemon for bible study or sunday school lessons. The key personalities of philemon are paul, philemon. The letter to philemon is the shortest of all pauls writings and deals with the practice of slavery.
This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the jews. The book of philemon demonstrates the gospel in action. Philemon was willing to forgive a slave who had defrauded him. The book of philemon is one of the most interesting, yet neglected books of the bible. Slavery was widespread in the roman empire according to some estimates, slaves constituted one third, perhaps more, of the population, and an accepted. The title of this letter is the name of the addressee, taken from verse 1. This is the only place in the new testament where philemon is mentioned by name, but we do know that he was a beloved friend to paul. Paul helps his friend philemon to reconcile with his escaped former slave onesimus, and shows that they are equals because of jesus. This works dives into history and recent scholarship, of the books of colossians and philemon of the apostles which always helpful to pastors. You can find the best commentary on philemon for you using the tools on the right side. At least he had a nice home, and it was believed it was large enough that the church had been held in his home.
Paul was a prisoner at the time verses 1 and 9, so this is one of the four prison epistles, along with ephesians, philippians, and colossians, which paul wrote during his first roman imprisonment. Original meaning this is what you normally expect from an exegetical commentary, a basic explanation of the text. The book of philemon is considered by most scholars to be a companion letter to his epistle to the colossians. Others have complained about the format of the book, but this is simply the approach this series takes. The book was written around 62 ad during paul first imprisonment in rome. The epistle shows that he was a believing christian and an esteemed acquaintance of the apostle. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The letter from paul to philemon was of a very personal nature. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority.
The key personalities of philemon are paul, philemon, and onesimus. Therefore, we must strive to understand the purpose of the whole biblical book before we interpret the individual literary units. According to the majority interpretation, paul wrote this letter on behalf of onesimus, a runaway slave who had wronged his owner philemon. Summary of philemon 1 paul introduces himself, noting that he is a prisoner of christ jesus. Philemon was a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home. Paul wrote to philemon, a christian brother living in colosse. Literary analysis of pauls letter to philemon an analysis of. Paul confesses his regular prayers for philemon, and compliments him on his love, faith, and willingness to share his faith. The letter suggests that paul was in prison at the time of the writing. This message is an overview of the book of philemon and part of a 2year study of the bible. Philemon, dictionary of the bible and western culture sheffield. Summary of the book of philemon summary of hebrews. Pauls friendship with philemon is shown by something significantly missing in his greeting.