Philemon

A detailed Summary of 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

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

accept him as a brother in Christ, rather than just a servant. Paul knew this could only be

"Beware of Thief." He could also be put to death.(Wight, p.292) The Apostles did not

the ones who repay our own debts, but because of God's love for us, He sent His Son in

He tells Philemon that Onesimus is useful to both of them now because he became a

ends the letter by telling Philemon that he wishes to visit them very soon. He concludes

Approximate Word count = 1678
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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