The Letters - Galatians | Colossians | Titus | PhilemonSampel

Philemon is the shortest letter in the New Testament, but that does not make it insignificant. Paul’s letter to Philemon was written during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 60-62 - a similar time to when Colossians was written. This letter is Paul’s personal plea for a slave, Onesimus, who “belonged” to Philemon, but he had stolen from Philemon and ran away. He then met Paul and had come to faith, so Paul wrote to Philemon, re-introducing him and asking him to forgive his brother.

Philemon shows us the heart of the gospel. When we come to God in repentance and faith, He gives us a new status and life and welcomes us as if we were Christ. This letter demonstrates grace, tact, and a profound demonstration of Christ's power and true Christian fellowship in action.

To further understand the context of Philemon, watch this short video by the Bible Project below. It will help to give you a deeper understanding of what is happening in this book of the Bible.