5 Lessons from Philemon 1:4-7

Five lessons from Philemon 1:4-7

1. Perpetually Thank God for the Love and Faith of others in Prayer.

2. Instigate Faith by recognizing Christ’s internalized abilities in you, for Him.

3. Be joyful and comforted in other’s love.

4. Righteous living refreshes the hearts of saints.

5. Righteous living results in the joy and comfort in fellow Christians.
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Background on Philemon

Author: The Apostle Paul during his first imprisonment

Date: A.D. 61 - 63
Probably the summer of A.D. 62 since Onesimus who carried this letter accompanied Tychicus who carried another of Paul's letters to Collosse.

How are you at forgiving others?

What about those who ripped you off?

Let’s take a look at Philemon. This is the shortest of Paul’s epistles with 334 Greek words , written around 60-62 AD. The greeting of ‘grace’ appeals to the Greek readers, while ‘peace’ resonates with the Hebrew audience.

The author, Paul, was born in Tarsus as Saul, his birthright included residence of Rome. Some believe his father or grandfather earned Roman citizenship through military service.

Roman citizenship provided great legalistic benefits. Presumably this is why he was beheaded instead of crucified like Christ and Peter.

The Cydnus River, navigable from the Mediterranean, ran along Tarsus enabling amazing business opportunities and wealth as this river also resulted in fertile, alluvial soil which enhanced the agricultural industry.

Paul was highly educated. Tarsus hosted an “Ivy League” University. In Jerusalem, Paul received instruction from Gamaliel who advised the Sanhedrin. Ironically, Gamaliel advocated against persecuting Christians.

Paul’s ancestry includes the lineage of Benjamin, thus Israel and Saul / Paul is considered a “Hebrew of Hebrews,” and a Pharisee. His beginning was absent the epitome of Christ’s image.

Saul persecuted the church, yet his legalistic righteousness was considered perfect. He served as the guard of coats while Stephen was stoned. Later on the road to Emmaus, Christ asks, “Why do you persecute me?” He humbly responded, and was blind for three days. He then adamantly served Christ, while serving as tent maker.

Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, who stole him blind then departed for Rome. Somehow this slave connected with Paul, becoming a Christian.

From a Roman prison, Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus; carbon copying all the other churches in Colosse, whose residents were mostly Gentiles. Philemon’s house afforded capacity for church services.

Paul who received GraceGrace from Christ, says to Philemon: Look Onesimus is straightened out; please take him back, treating him like a brother.

Can you imagine forgiving an employee who stole from you and being asked to accept them as an equal business partner? Paul says if he owes you anything send me the bill. Oh yeah, have a bed ready for me as when I get out this place, I am coming to visit.

Many in Colosse had difficulty believing that faith in Christ alone was sufficient for their salvation. They also believed in mysticism, and Jewish legalism; not exactly the role models of Grace.

Paul, who grew up in wealth, education and persecuting Christ, is asking Philemon to follow in Paul in seeking Christ ahead of human desires of revenge.


Background on Slavery in Rome:
Professor Alan Watson describes the Romans maximizing slaveholder benefits of slavery by “maximizing the profit and minimizing the risk.”

Slavery was considered, “A misfortune that could happen to anyone.”

Freed Slaves could potentially receive full benefits of Roman citizenship.

Through end of 1st Century – Romans had approximately 40% slaves.

Rome's focus since around 200 B.C. included Conquest and Slavery of nations.

Roman citizens became captured and enslaved by the enemy, thus losing their Roman citizenship.