hfuyhfdghh#8
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Massachusetts, Lowell *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
101
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ChiefCrown11312
Bible
Plans
Videos
Get the app
Parallel
Philemon Intro
One of the people Paul chose to deliver the letters we know as Colossians
and Ephesians was a man named Onesimus. Onesimus was originally from
Colossae, and would have been known to the people there. But Paul was
compelled to write a separate letter for him. This was because Onesimus had
been the slave of a wealthy Colossian named Philemon, in whose home the
church met. Onesimus had run away, probably robbing Philemon in the
process. In Rome he had become a follower of Jesus. He’d been helping Paul
in prison, but now Paul needed him to return to Colossae. Paul’s hope was
that Philemon would not only forgive Onesimus, but welcome him as a brother
and no longer a slave.
Paul’s brief letter to Philemon stresses the change in Onesimus’s life. His
name meant useful in Greek, and Paul tells Philemon that while he had
formerly been useless (a servant Philemon couldn’t count on), now he could
be useful to both of them. Paul doesn’t put Philemon under any obligation. His
appeal is on the basis of love, and he promises to honor the demands of
justice by making restitution himself if necessary.
Most likely Paul’s appeal was successful, or this letter would not have been
preserved. In the life of Onesimus we have a clear example of the kind of
transformation that occurred in thousands of lives as the gospel message
spread throughout the Roman Empire.
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Learn More About New International Version
Bible:
English
Version: New International Version - NIV
Philemon Intro
Encouraging and challenging you to seek intimacy with
God every day.
Ministry
About
Careers
Volunteer
Blog
Press
Useful Links
Help
Donate
Bible Versions
Audio Bibles
Bible Languages
Verse of the Day
A Digital Ministry of
English (US)
©2023 Life.Church / YouVersion
Privacy Policy
Terms
Vulnerability Disclosure Program
YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. By using our website, you accept our
use of cookies as described in our
Privacy Policy
Philemon Intro | NIV Bible | YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help