New Testament · Epistle · Book 57 of 66
Book of Philemon
A short, personal letter about forgiveness and reconciliation: Paul asks Philemon to welcome back Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
1 Chapter
25 verses
Author
Paul (with Timothy)
Written
c. A.D. 60 – 62
Written From
Rome (in prison)
Overview
Book of Philemon Summary
Philemon is the shortest and most personal of Paul’s letters. It is written to a believer at Colossae named Philemon, whose house hosted a church. Philemon’s slave Onesimus had left him, most likely as a runaway, and had met Paul in prison and become a Christian.
Paul sends Onesimus back with this letter. After warmly thanking Philemon for his love and faith, he does not give an order but makes an appeal. He asks Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a dear brother, to charge any wrong or debt to Paul’s account, and to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul himself.
Paul does not argue about the institution of slavery here, but the letter shows what the gospel does to relationships: forgiveness, reconciliation, and equality as brothers in Christ.
About the Name
Title
The letter is named for its main recipient, Philemon. The early Greek title is Pros Philemona, “To Philemon.” It also greets Apphia, Archippus and the church that met in his house (vv. 1–2).
Philemon lived at Colossae. Onesimus and Archippus are both named in Colossians (4:9, 17), which was carried at the same time.
Who Wrote It
Author Details
The letter names Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, with Timothy as co-sender (v. 1). Paul says he is writing the promise to repay in his own hand (v. 19), and the letter is full of personal feeling.
Paul’s authorship is accepted by virtually all scholars, including those who question some of his other letters.
When It Was Written
Date of Writing
Philemon is most often dated to about A.D. 60–62, during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), at the same time as Colossians. Paul hopes to be released and asks Philemon to prepare a guest room (v. 22).
Some scholars suggest that Paul wrote from Ephesus or Caesarea instead.
Study Guide
Philemon Outline
25 verses in three parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.
Part I
Greeting and Thanksgiving
vv. 1–7 · Philemon’s love and faith
- Paul and Timothy to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and the church in his house · vv. 1–3
Part II
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
vv. 8–21 · Receive him as a brother
Part III
Closing
vv. 22–25
Continue Your Study
Verse references link to the NIV at BibleGateway.