Philemon
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Affectionate; one who kisses”
A wealthy Christian of Colossae, host of a house church, to whom Paul wrote appealing for the gracious welcome of his runaway slave Onesimus.
Biography
Philemon was a well-to-do Christian of Colossae, converted under Paul's ministry, in whose house a church met. Paul addresses him warmly as "Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer," praising his love and faith and the way he had "refreshed" the hearts of the saints (Philemon 1–7).
The appeal
The whole short letter of Philemon is Paul's tactful, tender appeal on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, now converted. Rather than command, Paul appeals "for love's sake," asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back "not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved" (Philemon 9, 16), and offering to repay anything Onesimus owed.
A test of grace
Paul's confidence — "having confidence in thy obedience... knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say" (Philemon 21) — put the gospel of reconciliation to a practical test in Philemon's own household. The letter stands as a model of Christian persuasion and of forgiveness extended across the deepest social divides.
Life Timeline
Receives Paul's appeal to welcome back Onesimus as a brother
Themes & lessons from Philemon
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Philemon appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookPhilemon2 verses
Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.
Frequently asked about Philemon
Who was Philemon in the Bible?
A wealthy Christian of Colossae, host of a house church, to whom Paul wrote appealing for the gracious welcome of his runaway slave Onesimus.
What does the name Philemon mean?
The name Philemon means “Affectionate; one who kisses”.
Where does Philemon appear in the Bible?
Philemon is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Philemon.
What can we learn from Philemon?
The story of Philemon touches on themes of letters, philemon, missionaries, all christians should be as, timothy — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Philemon's life.
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