Philemon Introduction
Introduction
Philemon was a wealthy man who lived in the city of Colossae. There was a church that met in his home. Paul writes this letter to Philemon about a problem. The problem has to do with a man named Onesimus. Onesimus was originally from Colossae. He was a slave who belonged to Philemon. It seems that Onesimus had taken some things from Philemon and run away. He had gone all the way to Rome. But while in Rome, Onesimus met Paul and became a believer in Jesus. Paul was in prison and Onesimus had been helping him. Now Paul needed him to return to Colossae. Paul hoped that when Onesimus returned, Philemon would forgive him. Paul hoped Philemon would welcome Onesimus as a brother and not as a slave.
Paul’s letter to Philemon is brief. He tells Philemon about the important changes in Onesimus’ life. The name Onesimus means “useful” in Greek. Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus was “useless.” He was a slave who couldn’t be trusted. But Onesimus began to follow Jesus. Now he has become useful to both of them. Paul does not force Philemon to do anything. Paul bases his appeal to him on love. Paul promises to pay anything that Onesimus owes Philemon.
Most likely Paul’s appeal was successful. Otherwise, this letter would not have been saved. The life of Onesimus is a clear example of how the good news about Jesus can change a person. This is the message that spread throughout the Roman Empire. And thousands of lives were changed.
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Philemon Introduction: NIrV
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