Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

Today we begin the journey through the Epistle of Philemon, while this is a short letter with only 1 Chapter, this is a very powerful story. We all remember the beautiful Christmas song “All Holy Night” , with the line “the slave is your brother” this is my opinion sums up this Epistle. A beautiful and true story, about forgiveness, redemption, and being part of the body of Christ

The Apostle Paul clearly identifies himself as the author, also describes himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” This has dual meaning, as Paul was literally in prison when he wrote this letter, but also Paul described himself as a Prisoner of Christ, in the epistle to the Ephesians “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1)

Another note is Paul is not addressing himself with Apostolic authority, but as a brother in Christ. This letter was meant to be a personal writing and not a teaching to the Church. However since Paul was so filled with the Holy Spirit, we can take these words and events and learn from them as Christians. Paul also mentions Timothy , our brother. While Philemon, and the others mentioned in the letter are part of the Church of Colossae, there is also a connection with the Church of Ephesus, of which Timothy is the Pastor. It’s believed Philemon was saved in Ephesus under Paul’s ministry. 

The letter is clearly being addressed to Philemon, who Paul describes as a “beloved friend and fellow laborer” It’s believed Philemon hosted a Church in his house in the city of Colosse,  It’s also believed Paul would stay at Philemon’s house when visiting in that region. Apphia is also mentioned, who is believed to be Philemon’s wife. Then another man is mentioned named Archippus, he is referred to as “fellow soldier” With Pauls reference here, its likely Archippus was the Pastor of this house Church, while Philemon and Apphia supported it. Archippus is also referenced in Pauls letter to the Church of Colosse “And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)

Now the main focus of the letter is Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus, and how their conversion in Christ , not only changed their own lives but perhaps the course of history