Why read this book?
C. S. Lewis said, “Everyone says that forgiveness is a wonderful idea, until he has something to forgive.” Forgiveness is not easy to ask for or to give. Swallowing the pain of having been hurt is difficult. The letter to Philemon gives us a case study in the cost of asking for forgiveness and granting it. In addition to teaching about forgiveness, this brief letter also serves as a great example of the importance of equality and acceptance in the body of Christ.
Who wrote this book?
The apostle Paul, during his first imprisonment in Rome.
When was it written?
The letter was written around AD 60.
To whom was it written?
Philemon, a wealthy Christian in the church at Colossae. See The Church in Colossae (Col 1:2). He may have become a believer through Paul’s ministry (Phm 19).
Why was it written?
During his first imprisonment in Rome (c. AD 59–62), Paul met Onesimus, a runaway slave, and led him to faith in Christ (v. 10). Onesimus might have been a great help to Paul, but Paul chose to send him back to his master, Philemon. Paul wrote this letter to ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus. This letter was likely carried by Tychicus, who was also carrying letters to the Ephesian and Colossian churches (Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–9). Onesimus traveled with Tychicus.
What to look for in Philemon:
A plea for grace. Most runaway slaves, if caught, faced harsh punishment and sometimes even death. Paul hoped Philemon would become a living illustration of the grace Onesimus had already received through Christ.
