Who Wrote This Book?  The apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome.

Date of Writing:   The letter was written between 60 and 62 A.D.

Written To:  Philemon was a wealthy Christian in the church at Colosse, and become a believer through Paul’s ministry.

Why It Was Written.  C.S.Lewis said “Everyone says that forgiveness is a wonderful idea, until he has something to forgive.”  Forgiveness is not always easy to ask for or to give.  Someone has to swallow the pain of having been hurt.  The letter written to Philemon gives us a case study in the cost of asking for forgiveness and granting it.  In addition to teaching about forgiveness, this brief letter also serves as a great example of importance of equality and acceptance in the body of Christ.

During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (A.D. 59-62), HE MET Onesimus, a runaway slave and led him to faith in Christ.  Onesimus might have been a great help to him, but Pal chose to send him back to his master, Philemon.  Paul wrote this letter to ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus.  The letter was likely carried by Tychicus, who was also carrying letters to the Ephesian and Colossian churches. (Eph 6:21-22;Col 4:7-9).  Onesimus traveled with Tychicus.

This letter was a plea for grace.  Most runaway slaves, if caught, faced harsh punishment and sometimes even death.  Paul hoped Philemon would become a living illustration of the grace Onesimus had already received through Christ.

Key Verses: 

Philemon 1:4-7   (NLT)   Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer

 ⁴ I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, ⁵ because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. ⁶ And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. ⁷ Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

Philemon 1:17-21  (NLT)

 ¹⁷ So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. ¹⁹ I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!   ²⁰ Yes, my brother, please do me this favor^[a] for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.