Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Philemon”
Phm 21-22 Even though Paul emphasizes that he wants Philemon to forgive Onesimus voluntarily, one can still ask how much freedom Philemon really had in practice. After all, this letter was to be read to the congregation gathered in Philemon’s house, and besides, Paul is coming soon to visit Philemon. Philemon must certainly have felt a bit pressured and almost …
Phm 8-9 Paul could have commanded Philemon to forgive Onesimus, but then Philemon would not have had the opportunity to voluntarily forgive Onesimus. Instead of commanding, Paul sends Onesimus back and appeals to him to make the right decision himself. Paul was not afraid to give orders if necessary (1 Cor 5). Paul knows that true forgiveness can only be …
Phm 4 Paul “mentioned” Philemon in his prayers. This shows us that Paul did not necessarily pray very long, but he did pray often. Jesus warns us not to pray long prayers (Matt 6:7), but encourages us to pray always without getting tired (Luke 18:1-8). Phm 5 One of the foundations of the Christian faith is to “love your neighbour …
Phm 1 Normally Paul presents himself as an “apostle”, but now he presents himself as a “prisoner”. Paul is imprisoned in Rome when he writes this letter (Acts 28:30-31). Although Paul is a “Roman prisoner”, he chooses to think of himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” because he is imprisoned for bearing witness to Jesus Christ (Philemon 13). This …