Title: Postcards From Paradise
Bible Book: Philemon
Author: Donald Cantrell
Subject: Philemon
Objective:
Introduction
I hope that the study of this book will give you much insight concerning some helpful bible themes found in the word of God. The book of Philemon may be small in size but it is large in subject and symbolism. It allows us to see a passionate and tender side of Paul as he plans the reconciliation of a runaway slave with his rightful owner.
It should be noted that Philemon lived in Colossae, which was located in Asia Minor. Onesimus the slave of Philemon decided to run away, in doing so he ended up in Rome. The Roman Empire had over 120 million people and the slave population was in excess of 60 million. It was very obvious that Onesimus would migrate to Rome, where he could evolve into the population without much notice.
The bible does not state that Paul ever visited Colossae, but it also does not state otherwise, in any case he had previously led Philemon to the Lord. Paul was very deliberate in suggesting to Philemon on his Christian responsibility in forgiving and receiving Onesimus.
The little letter of Philemon is deep in doctrinal teachings that involve:
- Forgiveness
- Imputation/Substitution
- Saving Grace
- Prayer
- Love
- Reconciliation
We must ignore the great truths that are found in these 25 verses of scripture. In this study we find that Paul is simply sending “Postcards from Prison” to his dear friend in the faith, and hopes to see the reconciliation of a slave to his master. The prison preacher teaches us how that Jesus took the payment of our sins upon himself. I deserved to die and go to hell, but he chose to stand up for me and declare that my payment would be imposed upon him. I do not understand this but I fully believe and accept this wonderful administration of love and liberty. Salvation is free in that it cost me absolutely nothing, but it is not cheap in that the payment for it cost Christ his life, in that I am so grateful.
A Prisoner Speaks (1-3)
A Praise Stated (4-9)
A Person Saved (10-11)
A Plan Submitted (12-16)
A Payment Satisfied (17-21)
A Prayer Spoken (22)
A Partnership Shown (23-25)
In this wonderful story that was written from prison, we read about a runaway slave that gloriously got saved and was beneficial to the ministry of the apostle Paul. The slave, Onesimus was sent back to his owner with a hand written letter from the aging preacher.
Authorship: The author of this letter is stated in verse 1 and it is not disputed that Paul authored this letter. The early church fathers fully accepted his authorship and its placement in the canon of scriptures.
Date: The book of Philemon was penned likely in the summer of A.D. 62.
Place of Writing: Paul was a prisoner at the time of this letter being written. It would have been during his “1st Roman Imprisonment,” which was in A.D. 61-63.
Destination: The recipient of this letter was to be, Philemon, one of Paul’s previous converts that hosted a local church in his house. Philemon was a man of Colossae, which owned slaves and also had much wealth, which he used to further the work of God.
Reason of Writing: The issue at hand was that Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon had an encounter with the apostle Paul in the city of Rome, therein he had a true salvation experience.
Onesimus ministered to Paul in Rome until Paul decided that Onesimus must go back to Philemon and make things right concerning his runaway status. The apostle Paul decisively encouraged Philemon to accept Onesimus not as a slave, but as a brother. In doing so he would represent true Christian love and forgiveness. Paul emphasized how that he had also previously led Philemon to his salvation experience.
In this letter we actually get to look over the shoulder of Paul as he addresses this prison postcard. The entire book of Philemon is only 25 verses long, 430 words; it is a personal letter and a very short book. It is considered as part of “The Prison Epistles” due to it being penned inside of a prison. The book can be divided into the following:
I. A Word of Simple Introduction - His Praise (1 - 10)
A. The Prisoner Of Gods Love (1, 9)
B. The Passion Of One’s Friendship (1 - 5)
C. The Picture Of Real Church (2 - 7)
D. The Plea Of Christian Forgiveness (8 - 10)
II. A Word Of Strong Instruction - His Plan (11 - 21)
A. The Product Of Saving Grace (11 - 14)
B. The Purity Of Brotherly Love (15 - 17)
C. The Portrait Of Free Salvation (18 - 21)
III. A Word Of Sincere Interaction - His Partners (22 - 25)
A. The Possibilities Of Prevailing Prayer (22)
B. The Pleasure Of Dedicated Disciples (23 - 25)
The teachings of this book are valuable to the church. We must not suppose that due to its length that this book has nothing to say to us as followers of Christ. The book of Philemon is as a diamond in a box of pearls, it is of much value to those that dare to interpret its meaning and intention.
I challenge every reader to dig deeply into these glowing gems, for in digging you will find spiritual truths and teachings that will lead you to a closer walk with the master, is this not intent of our digging. It is the foolish person that ignores the depth and beauty of studying Philemon. I have been greatly inspired and invigorated in spending many days digging out its truths.
The best way for one to study this book is to ask the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts, in doing this you will find truths that many have not written about. I am so glad that I have been challenged to dissect this most noble book.
