Epistle to Philemon
Also known as Philemon
book of the New Testament attributed to Paul
AI overview
# Epistle to Philemon Overview "Epistle to Philemon" is a brief New Testament letter attributed to Paul in which he appeals to a Christian named Philemon regarding a formerly enslaved person named Onesimus. It matters as an important early Christian document that addresses themes of forgiveness, equality, and human dignity within the context of the ancient world.
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Book · Open Library
- Author
- N. T. Wright
- First published
- 1986
- Editions
- 5
- Subjects
- Bible, Commentaries, Bible, commentaries, n. t. philemon, Bible, commentaries, n. t. colossians, Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. epistles
via Open Library
Wikidata facts
- Image
- English - Leaf from Rochester Bible - Walters W18220V - Open Reverse.jpg
Show 1 more fact
- P8168
- supraspinatus muscle
Sources (3)
Article
Philemon 13–15 on Papyrus 87 (recto; c. AD 250)
The Epistle to Philemon is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is a prison letter, authored by Paul the Apostle (the opening verse also mentions Timothy), to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ", calling Timothy "our brother", and addressing Philemon as "fellow labourer" and "brother" (Philemon 1:1; 1:7; 1:20). Onesimus, a slave who had escaped from his master Philemon, was returning with this epistle wherein Paul asked Philemon to receive him as a "brother beloved" (Philemon 1:9–17). The letter appeals on behalf of Onesimus, who subsequently became a Christian through Paul. Paul requests that Philemon receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ, offering to repay any debt Onesimus owes.