Philemon 1
1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Common Questions About Philemon 1
Who is Onesimus and why does Paul write to Philemon on his behalf?
Onesimus was Philemon's slave who had run away, apparently after wronging him in some way, and had since come to faith in Christ through Paul while Paul was imprisoned. Paul writes to ask Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother.
How does Paul approach this sensitive request?
Although Paul says he could command Philemon as an apostle, he chooses instead to appeal to him on the basis of love, even offering to personally repay anything Onesimus owes, showing a model of gracious persuasion rather than authoritative demand.
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Questions to Think About
- How does Paul's choice to appeal in love rather than command challenge how you handle conflict or authority?
- Who in your life might God be calling you to forgive and receive back as family rather than hold at a distance?
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