Step 2:
The recipient(s) of the letter of Philemon
The letter of Philemon was addressed to Philemon as a plea on behalf of Onesimus his slave who had found Christ in faith.
Paul’s chief reason in writing the letter
In the text, Paul requests Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother. In the case, the letter was written by Paul on behalf of Onesimus who was a runaway slave. In the case, Paul believes that Onesimus is useful and for the reason he should be given a chance by Philemon. In the case, Paul pledges that he will pay any debt and all the expenses of Onesimus. The last chapter of the letter focuses on Paul’s confidence in the sense that he believes Philemon would accept Onesimus back.
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Paul’s location when he writes the letter
Paul wrote the letter of Philemon while in prison in Rome.
Step 3: Given Paul’s circumstances, which person do you believe he can relate to the most Philemon or Onesimus? Explain why.
In the case, one can say that Paul relates more with Philemon. This is due to the fact that he believes that Philemon will be able to offer Onesimus a second chance. It is evident that Philemon was a slave owner, therefore, the ability of Paul to coerce Philemon to accept Onesimus back shows that the relationship between Philemon and Paul was close.
Step 4: Consider Context
From the text, Slavery in the First Century , slavery was prevalent during the Roman Empire rule. Slavery was a pertinent social institution at the time. Slaves lived as subjects to their masters until they could be emancipated by the will of their masters. They lived with no rights of their own. The understanding of this part of history makes it easy to understand the purpose of Paul’s epistle to Philemon. Onesimus, a slave who had run from his master, cannot return to his master, Philemon, without facing severe punishment or even death. He, therefore, seeks the advocacy of Paul who pleads with Philemon to accept Onesimus back. Paul claims that Onesimus had been spiritually transformed, and with that in mind, Philemon would find it easier to forgive Onesimus.
The reading of the text, Slavery in the First Century, aids in the interpretation of the book of Philemon in the contemporary society. Slavery in the present world is a crime and a violation of human rights. Understanding the context, however, makes the book of Philemon excusable and more focus is laid on the themes brought out by Paul’s appeal. For instance, Onesimus was to face punishment by the virtue that he was a slave. However, Paul sees a way to seek forgiveness. Forgiveness is an integral aspect in Christian life.
