The Book of Philemon

Paul declares himself to actually be the author in this short, one-chapter Book of Philemon. Paul not only says who wrote the Book of Philemon but he also tells whom he wrote to by writing, "Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker" but also to "Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house" (Philemon 1:1-2). Paul wrote this around AD 60 while being imprisoned. Even though it is the shortest of all of Paul's letters, it contains a rich amount of biblical teachings on forgiveness. For more than two years while in Ephesus during his commission, Apostle Paul ministered in Asia Minor. This was a successful period for the apostle to the Gentiles, who saw many converts among both residents of Ephesus and visitors to the city. One of the people who converted under Paul's teaching pursuant to the Book of Philemon 1:19 was a man called Philemon, a slaveowner from the nearby city of Colossae. In the Infallible Word, the book that bears Philemon's name, Paul addressed his "beloved brother" as a "fellow worker," a title given to those who served for a time alongside Paul. The two gospel writers Mark and Luke also received this title later in the letter as impeccably exhibited in Philemon 1:1, 24. Conspicuously, a kinship existed between Paul and Philemon, one that would serve a significant purpose in light of the circumstance that brought about the letter. Accordingly, Paul made a request. He wanted Philemon to forgive a runaway slave, Onesimus, and receive him as a brother in Christ, as the apostle found him useful in God's service pursuant to Philemon 1:11-14. Paul did not minimize Onesimus's sin, however, there was sacrifice required in this request, and because of that, Apostle Paul approached the request with gentleness and care as exhibited in Philemon 1:21. His letter to Philemon vividly presents the beautiful and majestic transition from slavery to kinship that comes as a result of Christian love and forgiveness. The Bible says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you".