Little Books… BIG MESSAGE Session Two: The Book of Philemon

Last Week How Lutherans Interpret Difficult Texts Law and Gospel The Bible Reveals Christ Scripture Interprets Scripture “Plain Sense” The Faithful Community Interprets Scripture “I Don’t Know” is a Valid Response A 5-Minute Crash Course in Ancient Near East History and Geography

Last Week Read Obadiah Commentary Why Does Obadiah Matter? Does God condone violence to respond to violence? If so, when?

Comments, Questions or Smart Remarks?

This Week Introduction to Paul’s Letters Reading Philemon “7 Undisputed Letters of Paul” Customary Form of a Letter Reading Philemon Questions & Comments Why Philemon Matters

Introduction to Paul’s Letters

The Apostle Paul What We Know About Paul Greek name was Paul. He also had a Jewish name, Saul. Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) From line of Pharisees Likely had formal education Active persecutor of the early Christian movement

The Apostle Paul What We Know About Paul Became a Christian (and apostle) after dramatic revelation of the risen Jesus Christ (ca. 35) Don’t know much of his early Christian career Later career, was a vigorous missionary, especially to the Gentiles

The Apostle Paul What We Know About Paul In the mission field, he Worked with other colleagues Supported himself by tentmaking Often was imprisoned Traveled far and wide Major project = collection for the poor in Jerusalem

The Apostle Paul What We Know About Paul Eventually appealed to Caesar Festus for his release from prison Was brought to Rome and martyred in early 60’s

The Letters of Paul Many letters in the New Testament are attributed to Paul: Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galations Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians Titus 1 & 2 Timothy Philemon (Hebrews?)

The Letters of Paul UNDISPUTED Letters DISPUTED Letters Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galatians Philippians 1 Thessalonians Philemon Ephesians Colossians 2 Thessalonians Titus 1 & 2 Timothy

How do they know which are “authentic” and which aren’t?

Which Sermon was Written by Pastor Tim? Excerpt #1 Excerpt #2

Which Sermon was Written by Pastor Tim?

Paul’s Letters Paul’s writings are distinctive for many reasons: Trained in rhetoric Distinctive tone and vocabulary Knowledgeable about Hebrew Scriptures (but quotes from LXX) and Jewish customs Theology remains fairly consistent

Customary Letter Format Much like in formal writing today, letters in the first century had a typical format that Paul (usually) followed quite closely.

Customary Letter Format Salutation Sender Recipient Greeting Thanksgiving Body of Letter Paranesis (Instructions) Closing Greetings Parting Word

Reading Philemon

Take Notes! Questions? Words / Phrases Things you like / don’t like Reading Philemon Take Notes! Questions? Words / Phrases Things you like / don’t like

Comments, Questions or Smart Remarks?

Philemon Basics Date The date of this book largely depends on where it was written. There are three possibilities based on places where Paul was known to be imprisoned (or under house arrest): Rome (most likely), then it would be written in 61. If written at Caesarea (least likely), then around 58. If written in Ephesus, then around 55.

Philemon Basics Audience The list of names given at the end of the letter are people that were well associated with the area around Colossae in central Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Unlike other letters of Paul, this was not addressed to a church per se, but to an individual named Philemon (a very common name).

Commentary & Notes on the Text

Commentary & Notes Paul follows the letter format very closely His talent at rhetoric shines in this letter Paul is a “prisoner of Christ Jesus,” not an “apostle.” Why?

Commentary & Notes Verse 8 – “Command you to do your duty” Paul – as a Roman citizen – could have used his citizenship status to advocate for this runaway slave OR advocate on the basis of his credentials as an apostle, but he doesn’t. How does he appeal to Philemon?

Commentary & Notes Note the frequency of the use of “family” words (e.g., child, father, etc.) Useless Historical interpretation Useful Play on Onesimus (which means “useful” in Greek)

Commentary & Notes Paul artfully puts the onus on Philemon to make this right But he doesn’t deny the possibility that Onesimus could have done something wrong (v. 18) “Own hand” Paul wrote his letters using an amanuensis

Why Does Philemon Matter?

Why Does Philemon Matter? Why do you suppose this letter which seems so personal in nature is included in the Bible? It speaks a word to the transformative power of the gospel on lives of all believers. The letter is all about reconciliation and hope within the family of Christ.

Next Week: 2 John