Philemon: From Bondage to Brotherhood October 11, 2015 Thru the Bible in a Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Warrior “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 “As an expression of simple dignity, of refined courtesy, of large sympathy and of warm personal affection, the Epistle to Philemon stands unrivalled.”. J.B. Lightfoot, “St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon”

Lesson of Philemon Lesson The gospel may require us to request or perform actions that are culturally unpopular. “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Agenda Introduction Paul Paul’s Epistles Colossae Church Founded Purpose Summary Analysis Exposition History Application Test Agenda “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

An Introduction to a Book of the Bible Provides Three Things: 1.Information: general information about the book 2.Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the book 3.Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the book Introduction “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Philemon Was Written by Paul Paul “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 “I, Paul, am writing with my own hand… (19)

Philemon Was Written During Paul’s First Imprisonment at Rome Paul’s Epistles “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother… Phil 1 Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus… Phil 9 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus … Phil 23

Philemon is Closely Linked to Colossians Especially by the People ColossiansCharacteristicPhilemon 4:3, 10, 18PLACE of WRITING: Paul was in prison1, 9, 10, 13, 23, 4:9PLACE of RECIPIENTS: Colossae10 1:1, 7; 4:9, 10, 12, 14, 17 PEOPLE: Paul’s colleagues common to both epistles: Archippus Aristarchus Demas Epaphras Luke Mark Onesimus Timothy 1, 10, 23, 24 Paul’s Epistles “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Philemon Lived in Colossae: About 100 Miles East of Ephesus Colossae Ephesus Colossae “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Colossae Shares Lycus River Valley With Laodicea and Hierapolis Colossae “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Church at Colossae Founder by Epaphras Apparently, Paul had never visited Colossae (Col 1:4,7,9; 2:1) The church was most likely founded by Epaphras (Col 1:7), a companion of Paul (Col 4:12, Phil 23) and a native of Colossae (Col 4:12) Probably sometime during Paul’s 3 year stay at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-41) Church Founded “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Philemon’s Timeline Jerusalem Council Acts 15 Paul’s 2nd Trip Acts 16:1-18:22 Paul’s 3rd Trip Acts 18:23-21:16 Paul’s Imprisonment in Rome Acts 28:30-31 Church at Ephesus Founded Acts 19:1-41 Letter to Philemon Written Church Founded Church at Colossae Founded “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Who is Philemon? Friend and fellow worker of Paul (1) Married to Apphia (2) A church meets in his home: implies he was a man of good financial resources (2) Slave owner - Onesimus (16) Convert of Paul (19) From Colossae (Col 4:9) Philemon “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Who is Onesimus? A convert of Paul (10) A fellow worker with Paul in the gospel (13) A slave of Philemon (16) Had apparently been absent from Philemon (12,15) Apparently, caused Philemon a financial loss (18,19) Onesimus “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

The Story Behind the Letter Philemon became a Christian through Paul (19) Onesimus, Philemon’s slave was responsible a financial loss for Philemon and fled from him (18,19) Onesimus somehow came into contact with Paul and through him became a Christian (10) Paul writes Philemon this letter asking him to reinstate Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ Philemon “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 We do not know three things: (1) where Paul was in prison; (2) how did Paul meet and convert Onesimus; (3) why did Onesimus leave his master, Philemon?

Paul Had a Single Purpose for Writing to Philemon Purpose Paul wrote to persuade Philemon to receive, forgive and reinstate Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Philemon in Miniature Summary After greeting Philemon, Apphia and Aristarchus (1-3) Paul gives thanks and prays for them (4-7). He then appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ, even as Philemon would welcome Paul himself. (8-21). Paul and his fellow prisoner and fellow workers send greetings (22-25). “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Philemon: From Bondage to Brotherhood I.Greeting (1-3) II.Paul’s Prayer (4-7) III.Paul’s Appeal (8-21) IV.Closing (22-25) Analysis “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Greeting: Grace and Peace Paul (and Timothy) –Prisoner of Christ Jesus To –Philemon –Apphia –Archippus –The church that meets in their home Exposition Greeting 1-3 “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Thanksgiving for Philemon’s (4,5) –Love for all God’s people –Faith in the Lord Jesus Intercession (6,7) –For effective partnership in the faith Exposition Paul’s Prayer 4-7 “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Paul Appeals to Philemon for Onesimus in Three Ways 1.Paul’s deep affection for Onesimus  Considered as a son (10)  His usefulness (11)  The very heart of Paul (12)  A dear brother in the Lord (16) 2.Paul’s friendship with Philemon  Dear friend and fellow worker (1)  Partner in the gospel (6)  Owes Paul his very self (19) 3.The new relationship between Philemon and Onesimus  As a brother; not a slave (16) Exposition Paul’s Appeal 8-21 “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 “Note especially that Paul refuses to lean on his apostolic authority; rather, he appeals on the basis of the gospel of love. Fee and Stuart, “ How to Read the Bible Book by Book”

Paul’s Final Words Paul plans to visit Philemon after release from prison (22) Greetings from Paul’s colleagues (23,24) Grace to you (25) Exposition Closing “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Another Philemon? An inscription erected by a freed slave from Laodicea was dedicated to Marcus Sestius Philemon We cannot identify this Philemon with the slaveholder to whom Paul wrote, but the coincidence of the inscription from the same area is intriguing…” History (John McRay, Archaeology And The New Testament, p. 247). “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

Onesimus a Bishop? History “I received therefore your numerous body in the name of God in the person of Onesimus, whose love surpasses words, who is, besides, in the flesh your bishop. I pray that you may love him with a love according to Jesus Christ, and that you may all be like him. For blessed is He Who granted unto you, worthy as you are, to possess such a bishop.” Epistle of St. Ignatius to the Ephesians circa. 110 AD St. Ignatius (35 or 50 to 98 or 117 AD), the third Bishop of Antioch) wrote his epistle to the Ephesians en route to Rome where he awaited being fed to the wild beasts in the Coliseum. “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

The Gospel Versus the Culture Application “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Philemon Gospel Roman Culture

Slavery Was a Part of the Roman Culture About 1/4 to 1/3 of the population in the empire were slaves People became slaves by several means: –Born of at least one slave parent –Captured in war and sold into slavery –Punishment for various offenses –Sold yourself into slavery to pay a debt Slaves could be freed by several means –They could purchase their freedom from their masters –They could be set free by a master by edict or in his will “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Application

Slavery Was a Part of the Roman Culture…2 Legally, slaves had no rights However, many slaves had responsible jobs such a tutors and business mangers for their master It was possible for slaves to earn income and save towards purchasing freedom Many slaves also had back breaking agricultural and mining jobs which often led to an early death “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Application

The Tension Between the Gospel and the Roman Culture Put Both Paul and Philemon in a Delicate Spot Paul How to write a letter to convince Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a brother and not a slave without causing him to lose face: remember this letter was to be read to the church in Philemon’s house Philemon To accept Onesimus back as only a slave put him at odds with Paul and the gospel: how would Paul and the church in his house react? To accept Onesimus back as a brother put him at odds with the culture: how would his peers and his other slaves react? “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Application

How Do We Handle Culturally Sensitive Situations? We have many cultural issues today which are opposed to the gospel –Sexual permissiveness and infidelity –Homosexual agendas –Abortion and related topics –Militant atheism –Freedom of religion being skewed against Christians “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Application

Suggestions on How To Handle Culturally Sensitive Situations 1.Be informed a.Know the issue from the gospel’s side b.Know the issue from the culture’s side 2.Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know 3.Keep your emotions in check 4.Maintain an ongoing dialog with the opponents “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16 Application

An introduction to a book of the Bible should provide the reader with: a.General information about the book b.Insight to enhance a more detailed study of the book c.Incentive pursue further study of the book d.None of the above e.All of the above (i.e. a., b. and c.) Test “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

The letter to Philemon was written from a.Ephesus b.Caesarea c.Corinth d.Rome e.None of the above Test “…that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Philemon 15b, 16

The main point of the letter to Philemon is a.Abolition of slavery in the Roman Empire b.The freeing of slaves in the church at Colossae c.Partnership in the gospel d.The appeal to the gospel to transform the slave/master relationship e.Qualifications of a bishop Test