Review of The Epistle to Philemon

The Epistle to Philemon was written around 61-63 AD, during one of Paul's imprisonments. This book can be summed up rather simply - Paul edifies and praises Philemon and company for their love and faith towards Christ Jesus and the saints. Paul then appeals to Philemon to take back Onesimus, not as his slave but rather like a brother, in Christ.

This letter is rather interesting as Paul mentions that he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus no less than 3 times (verse 1, 9 and 23). It was so subtly used that I would never have noticed it if I didn't chance upon one of the commentaries while doing my research on this book. Of course the Lord is not a God of luck and chance but of divine appointment, and I believe that this phrase Paul used is of great significance in this letter. Why?

Onesimus used to be the slave of Philemon's household but now he has somehow ended up with Paul. Whether he ran away to him or was given by Philemon to Paul is an on-going debate by theologians. However the important point is Paul has now found Onesimus to be profitable to himself and Philemon, not because of his role as a slave, but now as a fellow brother-in-Christ.

This is where the phrase "prisoner in Christ" finally makes sense. Paul recognises himself as a prisoner in Christ and Onesimus once a prisoner to Philemon as a slave. He has managed to put into perspective their status not among men, but with regards to the Lord Jesus. This way, even though slavery was a common form of labour in his time, Paul attempts to convince Philemon to accept Onesimus back and treat him with the same respect of a fellow brother in the Lord (v16).

In addition, Paul also challenges Philemon to expand his capacity to love. He has already done so by his love which has greatly refreshed the saints (v7). However Paul desires for Philemon to also extend his love to his slave Onesimus, regardless of his past wrongdoings. (v18)

Paul doesn't use his position as a respected apostle of Jesus Christ to command Philemon to do so, even though he well could. Rather he appeals to him... Like how a brother would... ^_^

Finally Paul ends by reminding Philemon about the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ; His grace which transforms every believer who actively seeks to form a relationship with Him and brings salvation to all who believes in the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross.

Well I hope this review helps make sense of this letter.


The Lord's Blessing and Love be with you all. ^_^