This verse begins with Paul's typical greeting, referring to grace and peace. These are said to be from "God our Father," which emphasizes their common faith. This is also said to be from "the Lord Jesus Christ." Using both of these titles, together, implies that Jesus is divine. This also challenges social norms. To traditional Jews, calling Jesus "Christ," or Anointed One, and equal to God, was blasphemy. To Gentiles, calling Jesus "Lord" meant giving allegiance to a leader above the Roman Emperor. Jesus was God to both Jew and Gentile, and this phrasing is used more than 60 times in the New Testament, mostly by Paul.

"Lord Jesus Christ" serves as Jesus' title in the opening of all for of Paul's Prison Epistles. It is used in every letter by Paul except 2 Timothy. The title "Lord Jesus Christ" was first used in Acts 11:17, when Peter explained that Gentiles had come to faith in Jesus just as Jews had. The term became popular even in the earliest churches, used by James (James 1:1; 2:1) and Jude (Jude 1:17) as well as by the apostle Peter in both of his letters.

Philemon 1:1–3 introduces Paul’s letter written to Philemon, the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, which met in his home. Paul uses his customary greetings, which imply shared faith and a common Savior. The introduction also mentions Timothy, who is with Paul at the time the letter is written.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.

Accessed 5/2/2024 4:47:02 AM

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