1. A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome
The Prison Epistles
A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon

2. How do we know which Epistles were written from prison?
Ephesians:
(3:1, 4:1) Calls himself a prisoner.
(6:20) Ambassador in bonds.
Philippians:
(1:7,13,14,16) Refers to his bonds (imprisonment).
(1:13) Refers to the Praetorian Guard (NASV).
(4:22) Caesar’s household.
Colossians:
(4:3) Refers to himself as a prisoner.
(4:10) Fellow prisoner to Aristarchus.

3. How do we know which Epistles were written from prison?
Philemon:
(9) Calls himself a prisoner.
(10) Bonds (imprisonment).
(23) Fellow prisoner with Ephaphrus.

4. Introduction to Philemon
Map of Colossae and Rome
Summary points and purpose of the letter
Period and location of writing
Observations and applications of the letter
“Slavery” in the OT and the NT
Outline of the book

6. Introduction to Philemon
Philemon had a servant named Onesimus.
Onesimus was unprofitable to Philemon – and ran away.
Phm 1:11 “in time past was to thee unprofitable”
Interestingly, Onesimus’ name meant “profitable or useful.”

7. Introduction to Philemon
Paul was in prison when he converted Onesimus, afterward, Onesimus returned to Philemon.
Phm 1:1,10 “whom I have begotten in my bonds”
Acts 28:30 Might Onesimus have been one that Paul received at Rome during this time?
This letter is Paul’s plea that Philemon would receive Onesimus - that Philemon would “accept him as you would me.” (Phm 1:17)

8. Introduction to Philemon
Philemon may have been written during the same period as the letter to the Colossians. Some of the same men were noted with Paul in both books.
Paul was a prisoner and Timothy was with him in both letters.
Col 1:1
Phm 1:1
Salutations from the same group of men: Aristarchus, Marcus, Epaphras, Luke and Demas.
Col 4:10-14
Phm 1:23-24

9. Introduction to Philemon
Some think that Philemon (and then Onesimus) might have been part of the church at Colossae. *
Col 4:7-9 An Onesimus was with Tychicus to deliver Paul’s letter to Colossae.
“7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.”

10. Introduction to Philemon
Some think that Philemon (and then Onesimus) might have been part of the church at Colossae. *
Col 4: “9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.”
Questions:
What does “who is one of you” mean?
“who is from your region/city?” Onesimus of Philemon would fit.
“of the church at Colossae?” Don’t know that Onesimus of Philemon fits. Onesimus was converted away from Colossae, not a part of the church. Unless maybe Philemon was written prior to Colossians and more time had elapsed between the letters?.

11. Introduction to Philemon
Some think that Philemon (and then Onesimus) might have been part of the church at Colossae.
Col 4:17 / Phm 1:2 An Archippus is noted as being in Colossae, and with Philemon.
“17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” (Col 4:17)
 “2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house” (Phm 1:2)
Question: Is this church “Colossae”?

12. Introduction to Philemon
The book of Philemon is as one described, “a model of courtesy and politeness.”
True expressions of praise admiration (1:4-7)
“I beseech thee” (1:9)
“without thy mind I would do nothing” (1:14)
“receive him as myself” (1:17)
“if he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it” (1:18-19)
“yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.” (1:20)
Expressions of confidence and friendship (1:21-22)

13. Introduction to Philemon
I do not know the details of Onesimus’ servitude to Philemon, but we know that Onesimus was under obligation to Philemon. Actually, this letter describes three men with obligation.
Onesimus: had an obligation to Philemon
Paul said, “I sent him back (12)” Implies that Paul, Onesimus or both of them understood that he had an obligation to fulfill.
A servant has responsibility (Eph 6:5-8, Col 3:22-25).

14. Introduction to Philemon
I do not know the details of Onesimus’ servitude to Philemon, but we know that Onesimus was under obligation to Philemon. Actually, this letter describes three men with obligation.
Paul: Though Paul wanted Onesimus to stay, he could not detain him.
I sent him back (12)
Without your consent, I did not want to do anything (14)
Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom 12:17)

15. Introduction to Philemon
I do not know the details of Onesimus’ servitude to Philemon, but we know that Onesimus was under obligation to Philemon. Actually, this letter describes three men with obligation.
Philemon: Paul could have ordered Philemon in regard to Onesimus, but he besought him to accept him back.
Receive him as myself (17)
you owe me even your own self (19)
Let me have joy in the Lord (20)
Subjection toward Paul, forgiveness toward O.

16. Introduction to Philemon
Slavery under the OT (Israel’s law):
Forced slavery toward enemies
Deut 20: “When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. And it shall come about, if it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found in it shall become your forced labor and shall serve you. However, if it does not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. When the Lord your God gives it into your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword. Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the Lord your God has given you.” NASV

17. Introduction to Philemon
Slavery under the OT (with Israel):
Not forced toward fellow Israelites
Deut 24:7 “If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countrymen of the sons of Israel, and he deals with him violently, or sells him, then that thief shall die...”
Indentured
Lev 25: “And if a countryman of yours becomes so poor with regard to you that he sells himself to you, you shall not subject him to a slave’s service. He shall be with you as a hired man...”

18. Introduction to Philemon
Slavery under the NT (Christian’s law):
I Tim 1:9-10 “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient... for menstealers... “
Matt 5: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you...”
Matt 7:12 “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them...”

19. Introduction to Philemon
I do not know the details of Onesimus’ obligation to Philemon, but the NT does teach differently than the OT concerning slavery.
Paul, Philemon and we today live under the NT, the law of Christ which forbids forced slavery. While the OT allowed war and forced slavery toward enemies, the NT does not. (Deut 20:10-14 // Matt 5:44-45)

20. Introduction to Philemon
Outline:
Salutation (1-3)
Note of Philemon’s faith and love (4-7)
Paul’s appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus (8-22)
Final greetings (23-25)