New Found Freedom in Christ
Philemon 1:1 – 1:24
The Apostolic Greeting
Philemon 1:1-3
Verses 1-3:1 “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,” The letter begins with the usual identification of the person writing the letter. This letter to Philemon is coming from the apostle Paul and his associate Timothy. Paul makes no reference to his apostolic office as he does in writing Colossians. Instead of identifying himself as an apostle of Christ, Paul identifies himself as a ‘prisoner for Christ Jesus’ to both identify with Onesimus the slave and with all humanity as being bound to sin. The Greek word used here (desmios de,smioj) means a prisoner or one who is in bonds or chains. Notice that Paul does not say that he is a prisoner of Rome or even that he is in a Roman prison but rather that he is a prisoner for Christ Jesus. Paul shows his faith by reminding Philemon that earthly governments are not really in control of our lives but rather God is. It is God alone who determines what happens to us and He does this for a reason. Therefore Paul glorifies God in his imprisonment by confessing that Christ Jesus is in control of his life and his situation, (Ephesians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:8). Timothy assists and supports Paul in writing this letter.
“To Philemon our beloved fellow worker” Philemon, too, belongs to Jesus Christ but enjoys his liberty. When he reads these lines from one of Christ's prisoners, his heart will be moved and deeply touched. Since they likewise come from a brother, a close associate of this prisoner and one who is with all his soul devoted to this prisoner's great work, this letter will move Philemon to respond in a brotherly spirit.Paul addresses Philemon as ‘a fellow worker’. The Greek word used here (sunergos sunergo,j) literally means one who works together, a co-worker, supporter or helper. Paul is implying that Philemon is a leader or respected person in the local congregation in Colossae. The phrase does not mean that Philemon held any office within the congregation but that he also worked in spreading the gospel message, (Romans 16:3, 5, 9; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 4:15). As he was able, Philemon worked in the same cause that was so dear to Paul and Timothy – the spread of the gospel. Love bound them together. This bond justifies the appeal made in this letter and will move Philemon to respond in a brotherly spirit.
Paul reminds Philemon that he is also a prisoner and therefore he has an understanding of Onesimus’ position as a slave. Paul makes no social commentary on the ethics of owning slaves, but he gently reminds Philemon that he also is a captive, (Philemon 1:1, 9). Paul makes it clear that Christianity does not sanction slavery. Christ came to set the captives free and make Christians equal. Paul couldn’t directly attack the institution of slavery as it was so much a part of the times. To do so would cause him even greater trouble and detract from his purpose of spreading the Gospel. However, he does strongly suggest that Philemon needs to forgive Onesimus (the useful one) and set him free even if it is only because Philemon (the loving one) owes Paul (the little one) for the preaching that brought him to Christ.
2 “and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house.” Now we see the people to whom the letter was written. Philemon, the master of Onesimus, was the principal to whom the letter is inscribed, the head of the family, in whom was the authority and power of taking in or shutting out, and whose property Onesimus was. Philemon had the main responsibility of either showing grace or law. Philemon was a good man and a man of wealth. He was well respected and even hosted the local congregation’s weekly worship services in his home. With Philemon is listed Apphia. She is most likely his wife and hence managed the household affairs. She was also offended and injured by Onesimus, and therefore it was proper to be mentioned of in a letter asking for reconciliation and forgiveness. Justice and prudence would direct Paul to include her in this letter. She is mentioned before Archippus, as more concerned and having more interest in Onesimus. As a married couple, their interests are one, and their affections and actions must correspond. These are the principal parties written to. Nothing else is known about Apphia.
The secondary recipients of this letter are Archippus and the church in Philemon’s house. Archippus was most likely their son. If Apphia and Archippus did not belong to his family, they would not have been included with Philemon in the address of a letter on a domestic matter. While the father is called "our fellow worker," the son is called "our fellow soldier". While Philemon assisted in the spread of the gospel by providing money, a location to worship in, and accommodations for travelling evangelists, his son Archippus was more directly involved in the congregational worship services. The Greek word (sustratiotessustratio.tej) translated as ‘fellow soldier’ implies that Archippus was more directly involved in spreading the gospel like Paul and Timothy, who had fought against Judaizers in Colossae during the absence of Epaphras (Epaphroditus), (Philippians 2:25). Archippus was probably in charge of this work during the current absence of Epaphras. If he was Philemon’s son, he would be comparatively young for such a position, yet for this very reason Paul may have addressed him to spur him on in his labors and to urge him not to be timid because of his youth, (Colossians 4:17).
To those names it is added, “and to the church in your house.” In large cities there would be several meetingplaces. Before the third century there is no evidence of special church buildings for worship, (Acts 12:12– church in Mary’s house in Jerusalem;1Corinthians 16:19– church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus; Romans 16:5– church in the house of Priscilla and Aquila in Rome; Colossians 4:15– church in the house of Nympha in Laodicea). Whether the church in Philemon’s house was the local congregation or just his immediate family, they are an assembly of Christian believers and will be impacted by the return of Onesimus.
3 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This was the customary apostolic greeting uniting both Gentile and Jewish believers, (Ephesians 1:2). Gentiles would normally greet each other with “Grace” and Jewish people would greet each other by saying “Peace” in their ordinary greetings. Both are united in Christ and both are included in this greeting.
The Character of Philemon
Philemon 1:4-7
Verses 4-7:4 “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers” Paul begins the main body of his letter by praising Philemon. It was not Paul's intent to flatter him. Rather, the apostle knew that legitimate praise feeds virtue and provides an antidote for sin. The virtuous character of Philemon becomes the foundation upon which Paul bases his appeal for him to forgive Onesimus.Paul finds delight in writing this about Philemon. But he also hopes that Philemon will afford him an additional reason for thanksgiving to God by the fact that he forgives Onesimus and receives him back in the way in which Paul desires him to do so.
“I thank my God always”Paul says that he always thanks (eucharisteoeuvchariste,w)
God for Philemon. Paul is not saying that in every prayer that he prays he gives thanks to God for Philemon. Rather that whenever he thinks of Philemon or hears about his good works in Colossae, he gives thanks to God for Philemon’s faith visible in his works. This thanksgiving is especially meaningful because of its personal character. Epaphras, Philemon's pastor at Colossae, was with Paul in Rome as he wrote this epistle, (Philemon 1:23). He, along with Onesimus, could testify about Philemon’s love for Christ and for others. Their combined testimony enabled Paul to say to Philemon, “I thank my God always, making mention ofor remembering you in my prayers”. Paul was always able to give thanks to God when he prayed for Philemon. He knew nothing negative about him. The book of Philemon supports that. Everything Paul heard about Philemon was good. Paul did not believe that forgiving Onesimus would be difficult for Philemon.
“my God.” God is the author of all the good that is in any of us, or that is done by anyone, (Hosea 14:8). To Him therefore is all the praise due, (1 Chronicles 29:13-14). The possessive pronoun ‘my’ draws attention to Paul's special awareness of his own relationship with God. In Greek, this pronoun (ego e;gw) is always used to emphasize a relationship. The word ‘always’ is characteristic of Paul when referring to his prayer for his readers, (1 Corinthians 1:4; Philemon 1:4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2). Paul has a personal relationship with God and he knows that Philemon does as well. The common bond of brothers in the Lord is an important aspect of the relationship between Paul, Philemon and Onesimus. They are all equally forgiven, redeemed, and sanctified children of the same Heavenly Father and as such they have a bond, a relationship, a fellowship beyond what the world can understand or appreciate. This allows Paul to send such a personal letter.
Christians forgive because they are reconciled to Jesus Christ. Unbelievers do not have that capacity. Paul points that out in Romans 3:10-16:As it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, the poison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and miseryis in their paths." Those controlled by bitterness will find it difficult to forgive.
“when I remember you in my prayers” The Greek text would literally read “when I make mention or remembrance of you in my prayers”. It is apparent from this that Paul, in his private devotions, was in the habit of remembering or mentioning churches and individuals by name. He not only prayed for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven but he also prayed for specific and individual needs. Although Paul was a prisoner, he found opportunity for private devotion. Though burdened with many cares and sorrows, and about to be put on trial for his life, Paul did not forget to remember a Christian brother a great distance from him, and to bear him on his heart before the throne of grace. To remember with affectionate concern these churches and individuals, as he did, Paul must have been a man of much prayer.
Our prayers and praises should be offered up to God, not only for ourselves, but also for others. We should pray corporately (as part of the Body of Believers, The Lord’s Prayer) as well as privately. Private prayers should not only be about our own personal needs or wants. This is not to say that we should not pray for ourselves and for our needs, but our prayers should also be for others, especially our fellow Christians. We should rejoice and be thankful for any good that God sends their way as well as any good that they do. We should also pray for their needs. We should pray for ourselves and for all other people. We are even told to pray for our enemies, (Matthew 5:44).
In our prayers we should ask for everything that tends to the glory of God and to our own and our neighbor's welfare, both spiritual and bodily blessings. We should also praise and thank God for who He is and what He has done. A commonly used pattern for prayer is to pray ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Adoration
This sets the stage for prayer. As we praise God for His greatness and goodness, we remind ourselves that the Ruler of creation is our loving heavenly Father. He is with us, willing to listen and answer.
Confession
God sees our hearts. He knows we have failed to love Him, ourselves and others. We need to confess specific sins, not just vaguely "all our sins and iniquities." If we repent, God is faithful and forgives. He is merciful, not because we are deserving, but because He is love. That love was costly! Jesus died a horrible death to pay for our sins.
Thanksgiving
We express gratitude for the Lord's amazing grace—for our spiritual and temporal gifts. Counting our blessings trains us to praise and thank God before we ask Him for more.
Supplication
Honestly and simply we can tell God all theneeds, wants, problems, dreams and hopes we have as well as others have. Nothing is too big or too small for God's attention. He will do what we have asked Him to do—according to His wise and loving will. He is our beautiful Savior who wants us to stay in personal touch with Him.
5 “because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints,” In many of his letters, Paul thanks God for the Christians whose faith is visible on the basis of their works, (Romans 1:7-8; Colossians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3), for such works give evidence that people have truly been born of God. The most common characteristic of those born of God is their love for other Christians. Here Paul commends Philemon for all his good Christian conduct and acknowledges that Philemon has love and faith toward all saints. Paul is certain that when Philemon hears that Onesimus had been saved and all the help that he had been to Paul, Philemon will demonstrate compassion and forgiveness for Onesimus. Paul models Christian love for Philemon which he asks Philemon to also have for Onesimus. He extends his prayers to Philemon and acknowledges Philemon’s reputation as a godly man. He is not pandering to Philemon’s vanity. He is sincere in mentioning Philemon’s virtues.Philemon was his friend and Paul knew first hand that he was sincere in his faith.
The apostle joins prayer with his praises that the fruits of Philemon’s faith and love might be more and more conspicuous, so that the communication of them might constrain others to acknowledge all the good things that were in him and in his house towards Christ Jesus. Good works must be done, not of vain-glory to be seen, yet such as may be seen to God’s glory and the good of men.
“because I hear of your loveand of the faith” The Greek here literally says, “hearing of your love and faith”. The word ‘hearing’ is a present participle. Paul is presently hearing what Onesimus, who himself is now a Christian, and Epaphras, the Elder in the Colossian church, are telling him about Philemon. This is the grounds for Paul’s thankfulness and rejoicing. He is hearing that the faith Philemon has is bearing the expected fruit.
What is it that causes Paul to rejoice and give thanks? It is Philemon’s faith in and love for Jesus and his love for his fellow believers. The theological order is first faiththen love, the fruit of faith. But he purposely puts Philemon’s love in the first place, as it is to an act of love that he is exhorting him. Reversing the order of the words love and faith does not change the meaning. Paul is saying that love is always the fruit of faith. The Greek word translated as love (agapeavga,ph) is the love of will and choice, of self-sacrifice and humility. It is the same word used to describe God’s love for humanity, (John 3:16). This is the love of intelligence, decision and purpose. Love is a fruit of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22) and a manifestation of genuine saving faith, (Galatians 5:6; 1 John 3:14). God teaches Christians how to love one another, (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The source of love is always the indwelling Holy Spirit, (Romans 5:5). In this letter, Paul asks Philemon to use both love and faith in regard to Onesimus. Onesimus is to be received as a brother in the faith and thus in Christian love.
“that you have toward the Lord Jesus”Love for Christ, and faith in Him, are prime Christian graces, for which there is great reason to thank and praise God, (Romans 1:8; Colossians 1:3-4). This is a saving graceand the very principle of Christian life and all good works. The Greek word translated as ‘toward’ (pros pro,j) means for, toward, to, in, into. Paul is saying that Philemon has great love for or in Jesus.
The first characteristic of one who forgives is a concern for the Lord. Paul had heard about the deeds of love that Philemon was doing. His actions proved that hisfaith in the Lord was strong and active. As a true believer, Philemon loved the Lord and desired to please Him. Because he had received God’s love and forgiveness, Philemon could forgive others. Conviction from the indwelling Holy Spirit and from the Word of God would also provide the impetus for Philemon to do what was right. The present tense of the Greek verb ‘you have’(echo e;cw)demonstrates the continuous nature of Philemon's love for the Lord. It was his normal life to show love that was in him to others. He had even opened up his home as a place to worship the Lord. His unwavering faith gave Paul confidence in his willingness to forgive.