The book of Philemon which is an epistle written by Apostle Paul is about Paul’s pleading with Philemon to accept Onesimus who is his former slave in love that Paul advances for the church. Also, this book is written to highlight the importance of faith, prayer, thanksgiving, as well as brotherly love when it comes to advancing the gospel of Christ. Citing from the Holy Bible (NIV) one can see that Philemon was a prominent Christian who Paul regards highly because of his role in spreading the gospel for he was a member at the church in Colosse. Going by this epistle which is written by Paul with the knowledge that he knows Philemon understands how to treat others who share the same faith in Christ Jesus. Before running away from his master, Onesimus was not a Christian. However, during his separation period with his master, Philemon he met Paul while he was in prison and thus became a Christian. While in prison, the bond of love between Onesimus and Paul developed momentously to the point where Paul, through letters beseeched Philemon to forgive Onesimus for any mistake he had committed against him. Through Paul’s ministry of spreading the gospel, love between enemies became realistic and gave an opportunity for sinners like Philemon to become believers. The book of Philemon teaches the importance of brotherly love between believer and non-believers just like Christ’s love for everyone.
The book of Philemon tends to take on various structures which revolve around various themes, literary forms as well as historical connotations all wrapped into one chapter. When it comes to thematic structure one cannot fail to recognize how Paul advances the theme of love and brotherhood. To him when one accepts Christ one is guaranteed the love of Christ as well as the love of his or her brethren. In spite of the mistakes that Onesimus could have committed before meeting Paul and becoming a Christian which causes Paul to confess that he may have been useless before knowing Christ. However, after accepting Christ Paul accepts that Onesimus has become useful to both Paul and Philemon and as such should receive him in love that is to be found in Jesus Christ (v.9). Paul further goes ahead to emphasize the kind of love that Philemon should exercise with Onesimus once he arrives at Philemon’s house. Philemon according to Paul should no longer view Onesimus as a slave but rather as a brother in Christ. In this case, Paul brings the reader to a historical perspective where slaves would be treated differently as a lesser
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being. However while one becomes a Christian, this traditional view should be done away with. The reader can further see this as a symbol to show that once a person believes in Jesus, the slavery of sin is brought to an end as one becomes a new creature. The old is gone, and the new has come.
Historical World
The book of Philemon talks about Onesimus who was a slave for Philemon. Philemon was a wealthy Christian and slave owner. At the time Paul wrote the letter to Philemon, slavery was a common practice in Collose, where Philemon was a resident. Paul does not reprimand him for owning slaves, implying that he saw nothing wrong with the practice. Callose was under Roman rule at the time. The Romans often kept slaves in their homes. However, the treatment of slaves may not have been as cruel as the modern idea of slavery. The Roman practices at the time had a great influence on Christians at the time. However, those practices did not prevent the early Christians from exercising love to each other. Even though Onesmus was a thief and a runaway slave, Paul asks Philemon to treat him with love as a fellow brother in Christ (v 18).
Philemon was a respected Christian who was converted by Paul himself. He treated fellow Christians with love, often allowing the converts to meet in his house for prayers and other meetings. Since he was a wealthy man, the size of his house may have been a contributing factor. Additionally, Paul mentions to Philemon that the transformation of Onesimus had made him his beloved brother. Paul puts the emphasis on brotherly love before forgiveness. Onesimus's past misgivings should not be a hindrance for him to receive brotherly love from fellow Christians. Paul goes on to bear testimony to the love of Christ that unifies all believers.
Furthermore, Paul’s love for the reformed Onesmus compels him to ask Philemon to charge anything that Onesimus owes him to Paul. It is likely that the slave may have stolen money from his master and fled. It is in prison that he meets Paul and becomes a believer. Philemon, as a believer, is required to show love to his slaves.
Contemporary World
Paul’s letter has several similarities to the modern world. The contemporary world plays a vital role in the interpretation of the book of Philemon. Love for those who have wronged us is important in a modern Christian context, just like Paul required of Philemon. More importantly, the protagonists are believers who should abide in love for each other. In the modern world, love for an employee who steals from you then flees might seem far-fetched. However, Paul requires of believers to forgive and extend brotherly love to those who wrong us. Paul talks about the reason for Philemon’s separation from Onesimus was so that he can come back later as a beloved brother for good (v 16).
Additionally, Paul’s situation of imprisonment because of his love for Christ provides him with an opportunity to extend brotherly love to both Onesimus and Philemon. Similarly, modern-day challenges and problems are opportunities for enhancing love between believers and to non-believers. It is while in prison that Paul meets Onesimus and can convert him. The grace and love of Jesus Christ were manifest in Paul’s actions in prison. Brotherly love between believers should also replicate by modern-day believers as it was between Paul and Philemon. Verse seven refers to the love that was shared between the two believers. It is on the basis of this love that Paul wrote to Philemon to appeal to him to forgive Onesimus (v 9).
The love that Paul required of Philemon to show Onesimus is a guide for employers while dealing their employees. This is a challenge for employers since Paul’s letter needed a master to extend love to a slave. Therefore, modern employers are required to give much more since their employees are not slaves.
Literary World
Paul’s letter stylistically convinces Philemon to show love to Philemon. The letter begins with greatingss and a message of love from Paul to Philemon and his family. The writer does not rush to the main point of his letter, he effectively uses his skills to create the correct environment and mood to pass this point. Paul convincingly persuades Philemon to consider Onesimus as his brother because he has now born again. The skills of the author in portraying his intended message in a clear and convincing manner are a reflection of literary capabilities. The author further appeals to the reader on the importance of love not only to believers but also to non-believers. Paul writes about how Onesimus's conversion to Christianity makes him a beloved brother in Christ. He further goes on to explain how his love for Christ makes him a prisoner. However, he does not put this directly to the reader but rather refers to himself as a prisoner in Christ (v 1).
Symbol of Love in the Book of Philemon
The book of Philemon through Onesimus symbolizes the kind of love that those who profess Jesus should have. According to Paul, he is happy that Philemon is a true believer who loves Christ as well as all the saints (v.5) and that is why he established a church in his home. However, this love should be practical by accepting Onesimus no matter the grievances he had caused him.. "I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment" (1:10). The real test of love will be revealed when he opens his home to Onesimus just as he has for other saints. The use of a slave further emphasizes on the need of love since it is this kind of love that breaks the yoke of sin which holds captives those that have not known Christ. After knowing the love of Christ, the yoke is broken, and that is the reason Paul claims that Onesimus is now useful to both him and Philemon.
In conclusion, Paul’s epistle to Philemon is a guide for believers to extend love to fellow believers and non-believers in every situation the way Christ himself loves us. Paul beseechs Philemon to show love to Onesimus, his former slave. Paul’s immense love for Onesimus, a fellow prisoner drives him to intervene for him to his former master. The love of Christ needs to be replicated by Christians to their colleagues and even strangers in their daily lives. Pauls letter stylistically passes the message of love to its readers. Additionally, love should guide the relationship between employers and employees. Those who wrong us need to be forgiven and loved again.
The message of brotherly love depicted in the above image resonates with Paul's message for love between believers. The love of Christ should be reflected by loving a fellow human. The image talks of continuity in brotherly love. As talked about by Paul, love between believers should go on without ending.
