Placement in the Holy Bible:
- Eighteenth book of the New Testament
Author:
- Paul, who wrote this letter to Philemon to address a personal and important issue.
Intended Audience:
- Philemon, a Christian and leader of a house church, and all Christians interested in relationships, forgiveness, and humanity.
Purpose:
- To request Philemon to forgive his servant Onesimus and accept him back.
- To clarify the principles of forgiveness, friendship, and brotherhood in Christian life.
Key Themes:
- Forgiveness and Restoration: A request to Philemon to forgive and restore Onesimus, who was his servant and had come to Paul.
- Christian Brotherhood: Affirmation of affectionate and brotherly relations between a servant and his master.
- Paul’s Role: Paul’s advocacy for Onesimus and his appeal for support and grace from Philemon.
Major Sections:
- Request for Forgiveness (Chapter 1-7): Request for Philemon to accept and forgive Onesimus, along with appreciation for Philemon’s positive behaviour.
- Paul’s Advocacy and Appeal (Chapter 8-20): Paul’s personal relationship with Onesimus and appeal to Philemon for support and grace.
- Final Remarks and Blessings (Chapter 21-25): Conclusion of Paul’s letter and encouragement for Christian brotherhood and blessings.
Structure:
- Chapter 1-7: Request for Onesimus’s restoration and forgiveness, and appreciation of Philemon’s good behaviour.
- Chapter 8-20: Paul’s personal advocacy and appeal for support from Philemon.
- Chapter 21-25: Conclusion of the letter and blessings.
Characteristics:
- Forgiveness and Restoration: Clarification of forgiveness and brotherly relations between a servant and master.
- Christian Brotherhood: Affirmation of brotherhood and affection in personal relationships.