Some critical scholars have ascribed the epistle to an early follower of Paul, writing as Paul. [8] Some have speculated that Archippus, described by Paul as a "fellow soldier", is the son of Philemon and Apphia. Before Paul, Ruden argues, a slave was considered subhuman, and entitled to no more consideration than an animal. [citation needed], Verses 13–14 suggest that Paul wants Philemon to send Onesimus back to Paul (possibly freeing him for the purpose). Written to: Philemon, a wealthy Christian at Colossae, and all future readers of the Bible. This article is part of the Why Study the Book? James is an intensely practical book, filled with exhortations to Christians about the way they should live their lives now that they have been given new life in Jesus. According to O'Brien, the fact that Philemon's name is mentioned first, together with the use of the phrase "in your house" in verse 2, makes it unlikely that Archippus was the primary addressee. Also, there are many personal references common to Philemon and Colossians. 17-19). [25] This may be because Paul had the perspective that Jesus would return soon. [8] Knox further argued that the letter was intended to be read aloud in the Colossian church in order to put pressure on Archippus. The epistle of Philemon is attributed to the apostle Paul, and this attribution has rarely been questioned by scholars. "(Philemon 1:9–17), Philemon was a wealthy Christian, possibly a bishop[1] of the house church that met in his home (Philemon 1:1–2) in Colossae. Paul viewed his present world as something that was swiftly passing away. Because slavery was so ingrained into society that the “abolitionist would have been at the same time an insurrectionist, and the political effects of such a movement would have been unthinkable. [27], Sarah Ruden, in her Paul Among the People (2010), argues that in the letter to Philemon, Paul created the Western conception of the individual human being, "unconditionally precious to God and therefore entitled to the consideration of other human beings." In his epistle to Philemon, Paul demonstrates the potential when slaves responded to the gospel and turned to Christ. In him the ultimate circumcision takes place, demarcating those who belong to the new covenant people of God and enabling them to live faithful lives (2:11, 13). Where Onesimus was "useless", now he is "useful" – a wordplay, as Onesimus means "useful". He is the perfect “image” and last Adam, whose own perfections serve as the pattern for his people’s renewal as image-bearers (1:15; 3:9-10). [26] We see this in many of Paul’s other epistles, including his letters to the Corinthians, delivering the message of unity with others and unity with Christ – a change of identity. 21–22). Slavery was most commonly found in households. The Son is the ultimate locus of the divine presence and fulfills all the Old Testament hopes for God dwelling among his people (1:19). Heb 11:13–16; Phil 3:20), this does not mean for one moment that they live only for the future: present society is recognized by Christians as an exile; they belong to a new society which is the goal of their common pilgrimage and which is anticipated in the course of that pilgrimage. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible. First, Colossians is unrivalled in its portrayal of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. [17][9] J. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Indeed, the gospel can be summarized as “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). "[25] Paul viewed slavery as an example of a human institution of dehumanization, and believed that all human institutions were about to fade away. In Philemon, we see the essence of the gospel reflected in Paul’s life as he imitates his Lord in offering himself as a righteous substitution for Onesimus before the wronged Philemon (vv. The sagely duo invest their first-hand knowledge of Asian philosophies and cultures to make the text speak to the context: Anatolia is bridged with Asia! [15] Philemon may have converted to Christianity through Paul's ministry, possibly in Ephesus. "[10] Callahan argues that the earliest commentators on this work – the homily of Origen and the Anti-Marcion Preface – are silent about Onesimus' possible servile status, and traces the origins of this interpretation to John Chrysostom, who proposed it in his Homiliae in epistolam ad Philemonem, during his ministry in Antioch, circa 386–398. Reliable, for while it interacts with alternative understandings of the text, it always represents “informed orthodoxy.” Innovative, with its splendid special studies that are particularly relevant to Asian teachers and pastors – such as “Apostles and Apostolic Succession” and “Slavery: Then and Now.” Warmly and highly recommended. series. Paul is undermining this example of a human institution which dehumanizes people. The Asia Bible Commentary series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. This 12-week study walks readers through two Pauline letters that highlight the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it informs Christians’ relationships with one another. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. B. Lightfoot, for example, wrote: "The tact and delicacy of the Apostle's pleading for Onesimus would be nullified at one stroke by the demand for publication. The details of the offence are unstated, although it is often assumed that Onesimus had fled after stealing money, as Paul states in verse 18 that if Onesimus owes anything, Philemon should charge this to Paul's account. [4] Their leader, Ferdinand Christian Baur, only accepted four New Testament epistles as genuinely written by Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians and Galatians. Let me provide three reasons. He redeems them, forgiving all their sins (1:14). He may have been arrested and imprisoned alongside Paul. He also mentions his wish to visit and asks Philemon to prepare a guest room. The main challenge to the letter's authenticity came from a group of German scholars in the nineteenth century known as the Tübingen School. The best answers to that question will come when we understand why God gave us this book. When the Letter to the Hebrews says that Christians here on earth do not have a permanent homeland, but seek one which lies in the future (cf. He concludes this paragraph by describing the joy and comfort he has received from knowing how Philemon has shown love towards the Christians in Colossae. Ezekiel wants us to know that God is where he always is; he is with his people. Paul indicates that he would have been glad to keep Onesimus with him, but recognised that it was right to send him back. (Philemon 1:1; 1:7; 1:20) Onesimus, a slave that had departed from his master Philemon, was returning with this epistle wherein Paul asked Philemon to receive him as a "brother beloved. It is the shortest of Paul's extant letters, consisting of only 335 words in the Greek text.[2]. Modern commentators, even those committed to the prevailing interpretation, have tacitly admitted as much. As the church in Colossae began to grow, the members faced challenges in understanding their identity as Christians and their relationship with God. The Epistle of Paul to Philemon, known simply as Philemon, is one of the books of the Christian New Testament. It was addressed to Philemon and to the other members of the church at Colossae who met in Philemon's house. [16] Apphia in the salutation is probably Philemon's wife. [8] In particular, Knox's view has been challenged on the basis of the opening verses. In Colossians, Christ is the ultimate Son of David, the Messiah, and the world’s true Lord. Composition. Paul's specific request is for Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul, namely as a Christian brother. Paul’s epistle to the Colossians provided guidance on how to deal with their past, showing them how faith in Christ brings new meaning to their situation. [29], In order to better appreciate the Book of Philemon, it is necessary to be aware of the situation of the early Christian community in the Roman Empire; and the economic system of Classical Antiquity based on slavery. Composition. This renewal prepares them for their vocation as citizens and rulers of the new creational kingdom to be consummated on the last day of history (see Rev. This view, however, has not found widespread support. Further, it is obvious that it was sent along with the letter to the Ephesians and the letter to Philemon. [23] At this time slavery was common, and can be seen as a theme in the book of Philemon. Rather, Paul regularly mentions others in the address if they have a particular connection with the recipient. The preeminent Christ, a robust gospel, and profound biblical theology, all packed into these two short letters of the apostle Paul. [3] Along with six others, it is numbered among the "undisputed letters", which are widely considered to be authentically Pauline. p.174, Foster, Paul. He is the author of Echoes of Scripture in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians. He is the author of. It is a prison letter, co-authored by Paul the Apostle with Timothy, to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. This biblical epic of the kingdom mission of God runs from creation to new creation. He also describes the affection he has for Onesimus and the transformation that has taken place with Onesimus's conversion to the Christian faith. According to Bruce Metzger, it was written in the 50s while Paul was in prison.Colossians is similar to Ephesians, also written at this time. This letter, seemingly, provided alleviation of suffering of some slaves due to the fact that Paul placed pastoral focus on the issue.[24]. [22], Paul uses slavery vs. freedom language more often in his writings as a metaphor. In this reconstruction, Philemon would receive the letter first and then encourage Archippus to release Onesimus so that he could work alongside Paul. Philemon is described as a "fellow worker" of Paul. Here you have a balanced, insightful, reliable and innovative commentary on two of Paul’s letters. Whose perfections serve as the which was written first colossians and philemon in Philemon 's love and faith and prays for his to! Common to Philemon, Paul regularly mentions others in the Colossian church 2:16-17 ) after. And at the cross through the blood of his Son, the of. Theological Seminary India sponsored by Interserve, he undermines the foundation of which! This is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for the best which was written first colossians and philemon on our site, be sure turn! Pagina Commentary. New creation Tübingen School 30 ] consisting of only 335 in! 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