The Book of Philemon
Philemon is a short, personal appeal from Paul for the forgiveness and welcome of a runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ. The shortest of Paul's letters and one of the most tender.
- Testament
- New (1 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Author
- Paul, with co-author Timothy.
- Date
- About 60-62 AD, written from prison alongside Colossians.
The gospel reframes social relationships
Onesimus had stolen from his master Philemon and run away; now he was a Christian. Paul asks Philemon to receive him 'not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved' (16). The letter quietly subverts the institution of slavery from within the gospel.
Persuasion, not command
Paul could have ordered Philemon (he had apostolic authority), but he chose to appeal — 'for love's sake I rather beseech thee' (9). The whole letter is a model of Christian persuasion that respects the freedom of the person being asked.
Key verses (KJV)
“Receive him... not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.” — Philemon 1:16 (KJV)
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds.” — Philemon 1:10 (KJV)
“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” — Philemon 1:17 (KJV)
How to read Philemon
Twenty-five verses — read in three minutes. Then re-read knowing the social weight of what Paul is asking. The shortest Pauline letter is one of the most radical.
Read Philemon on your iPhone
Read the full book of Philemon in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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