Introduction to Philemon

Meditations on the Epistle to Philemon
Introduction

In first century Roman culture, slavery was common. From a legal standpoint, slaves were at a great disadvantage. They were not considered to be human and were not afforded the decency of humane treatment. In fact, slave owners were allowed to treat their slaves as kindly or cruelly as they desired[1]. It was not illegal, in this Roman society, for slave owners to take the lives of their slaves. Committing an act of disobedience such as running away from one’s master could certainly merit harsh punishment.

Philemon tells the account of a runaway slave, named Onesimus. This runaway, through God’s sovereignty, makes his way to Rome and crosses paths with the apostle Paul. Once described as an unprofitable servant, Onesimus hears the gospel of Jesus Christ and becomes a believer through the apostle’s ministry (Philemon 1:10, 11). The unprofitable slave is changed into a useful minister for the Lord.

Onesimus and Philemon now share Christ as their personal Savior. They also hold in common the fact that both were led to Jesus by the same person, the apostle Paul (Philemon 1:19). Having a previous relationship with Philemon, Paul writes to the slave owner to report the news about Onesimus. In the epistle, Paul appeals to Philemon to accept back the runaway slave (Philemon 1:17).

The gospel presents great change, many of which can be seen with the epistle to Philemon. There is the heart change taking place within both Philemon and his slave, Onesimus. Along with the gift of forgiveness now given through Christ, master and slave experience heart change. As new creations in the Lord, Philemon and Onesimus are challenged to treat one another as Christian brothers. Philemon is challenged to accept his returning slave with grace and forgiveness. Onesimus holds the responsibility of facing his master and serving him as he would serve the Lord.

Pastor Randy Weddle,
​Creation Anew


[1]  (Johnson 1889)