Philemon Essays - Epistle To Philemon, Slavery In Ancient Rome

Philemon The letter of Philemon was written by Paul the apostle along with Timothy. Paul was definitely the author and nothing needs to confirm that. The ?external testimony is unimpeachable.? (Smith, p.510) The letter was written to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. Philemon lived in Colosse and we know this because Onesimus was also Colossian which is confirmed in Colossians 4:9. Philemon was a man of property and influence. It is not known exactly how he knew Paul though.(Smith, p.509) Paul did address others in the letter. One of which was Apphia, a Christian woman. She was a member of Philemon's household and may have been his wife.(Smith, p.47) It also includes Archippus who was a Christian teacher in Colosse. He is also mentioned in the book of Colossians. Archippus might have also been a member of Philemon's household.(Smith, p.51) Some believe that Paul did not intend this to be a personal letter. They base this assumption on the fact that he addressed other people.(Tenney, p.753) Philemon lived in Colosse at the time, and as I mentioned before, we know that because of Paul's final greetings toward some of the Colossian people mentioned in both Philemon and Colossians. Paul wrote this letter during his first imprisonment in Rome. The dates range from A.D. 63 to A.D. 64. We know that he was in prison in Rome because of some of the things mentioned in this book (Philemon vs. 13,23) and once again because of the similarities with the book of Colossians. Others believe that Paul may have been in Ephesus at this time. When Paul mentioned that he wanted to stay with Philemon, that request was congruent with the plans he made during his Ephesian ministry to visit the Lycus valley.(Tenney, p.755) During the time that this letter was written, slavery was very common. Most of these slaves had been captured in wars. Masters were totally in control. If a slave were to steal something, he might be branded on his forehead with ?CF? for Cave Furem which means ?Beware of Thief.? He could also be put to death.(Wight, p.292) The Apostles did not do much to overcome slavery. They just kept preaching Biblical principals. ?Paul's letter to Philemon has, no doubt, done more to overcome slavery than any other document ever written.?(Wight, p.293) Roman law also stated that ?whoever gave hospitality to a runaway slave was liable to the slave's master for the value of each day's work lost.?(Tenney, p.753) That could be a reason why Paul said he would repay Philemon's losses. The book of Philemon was actually written on behalf of another person. Paul wrote this letter in order to ask Philemon to accept Onesimus back into his household. ?I appeal to you for my son Onesimus.? (Phil.10) Onesimus was a slave of Philemon's. It is not known exactly why he left Philemon. Some think he left just so he could have freedom. Others are sure he stole something from Philemon. (Smith, p.510) During Paul's imprisonment in Rome, Onesimus was with him. Paul was able to witness to him and he was converted to Christianity. Because of this, Onesimus knew he had to return to Philemon and place himself at Philemon's disposal once again. Paul acted as a mediator in his situation. He did this in order to help both Onesimus and Philemon.(Tenney, p.756) The letter was written on behalf of Onesimus. Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus back because he was no longer just a servant, but a brother in Christ. One of the themes of Philemon has to do with slavery. Paul was hoping that God would speak to people after they read this letter and that they would want to end slavery. Paul was also hoping that Philemon would accept Onesimus back into his home. He did not force Philemon to do this. He was, rather, wanting Philemon to take him back out of love. Paul made it clear that for whatever wrongs Onesimus had caused to Philemon, he (Paul) would repay all the debts. The letter of Philemon begins with greetings from Paul and Timothy to Philemon, his church, and his household. It also continues with Paul thanking God for Philemon's faith. It also encourages Philemon to be active in sharing his faith. The next section of the book has Paul making a request. He wants Philemon to accept Onesimus. He does not force Philemon to do this, even though he could. He wants Philemon to do it out of love. He tells Philemon that Onesimus