Overview Article
This brief letter, the shortest and most personal of Paul’s letters, shows how attitudes and relationships are transformed by Christ. It was written on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, who was returning to Philemon, his master. Paul encouraged Philemon to go beyond the traditional master–slave relationship by welcoming Onesimus back as a beloved brother in Christ. With these words of reconciliation, Paul reminds us that all relationships among Christians, regardless of a person’s social standing, are transformed by the love of Christ.
Key People, Places, and Terms
People 14
- Christ (Jesus) 10
- Jesus 6
- Lord (Jesus) 6
- Mark 3
- Paul 3
- Apphia 2
- Archippus 2
- Luke 2
- Philemon 2
- Aristarchus 1
See all (14)
Places
None mentioned.
Themes
Slavery 1 Slavery was common in the Roman world. Prisoners of war often became slaves, many were born into slavery, and some chose slavery temporarily to pay off debts. A large part of the population, including many Christians,... The Written Word 1 During the prophet Jeremiah’s crisis at his public trial on the temple grounds, friends saved his life ( Jeremiah 26 ). Yet, King Jehoiakim killed the prophet Uriah and tried to arrest Jeremiah. Would this end Jeremia...