Philemon

When I think of the book of Philemon, I recall one of my students memorized it and presented it as a dramatic interpretation.  It was impressive!  Although it's only one chapter, there is something concrete about such an accomplishment that bears weight and makes an impression.

Prior knowledge: Philemon was a slave I think---or was it that Philemon had a question about a slave--Onesimus? 

When did Onesimus come up as a name?  Cotton Mather and inoculation....

Written by Paul (a prisoner for Christ Jesus) and Timothy (our brother)

Written to Philemon (our beloved fellow worker), Apphia (our sister), Archippus (our fellow soldier), AND the church in your house. 

"Apphia our sister was most likely the wife of Philemon. She may have possibly served in a semi-official position in the church in their home. “She is as much a part of the decision as her husband, because according to the custom of the time, she had day-to-day responsibility for the slaves” (Arthur A. Rupprecht, “Philemon,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 11:458).

The role of women in the early church is highly interesting to me. Paul's overall tone and diction indicates a respect for women, slaves, and all people, something that was not inherently the case or assumed later in much of the church.

BKC points out there is a close association between this and Colossians as they mention many of the same people--Archippas, Epaphras, Aristarchus, Luke, and Demas.

The Pulpit Commentary asserts it was written during a long imprisonment--either from Rome or Caesarea, although he feels the argument for Rome is strongest.

Love this prayer by Paul:

"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." Philemon 1:6

May our faith make us generous--as we perceive and appreciate the ways God has been generous to us.

"I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced." Philemon 1:14

Paul's tone in this letter is conciliatory, gentle, imploring.  One of the commentators mentioned that his posture is one of civility, a great example of a Christian response to untangling an issue that could cause anger or hard feelings.

He doesn't tell Philemon to free him---at least not that I can tell, leaving much liberty in his response.

"The practice of churches meeting in private homes for worship was common up to a.d. 200."  -BKC

BKC also points out that it was custom to begin correspondence, both pagan and Christian, in this era, with an expression of thanks:

"The words I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers are almost the same ones Paul used in his other prison epistles (see Eph_1:15-16; Php_1:3-4; Col_1:3-4). Paul told when he gave thanks (“always”), and to whom (“God”), and for whom (“you,” i.e., Philemon). Paul also told why (because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints)." -BKC

The specificity of Paul's thankfulness is noteworthy--not just thanks, but thanks to the living and true God.  Not just vague appreciation, but regarding specific people and for named reasons.  This seems an excellent model or "template" for inspiring focused thanksgiving.