The apostles joy and praise for philemons steady faith in the lord jesus, and love to all the saints. What does paul mean by saying he is a prisoner of christ jesus. Word meanings in the new testament, ralph earle, 1984, baker book house manners and customs in the bible, victor h. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian new testament. Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary on the new testament book 12 kindle edition by pao, david w. Long books or those that contain much material either for theological or historicalcritical speculation, such as genesis or psalms, may be split over two or three volumes. Dec 19, 2018 j sidlow baxter explore the bible even in the best art galleries there is always a space for choice miniatures. But some think that the term prisoner does not sufficiently point out the apostles state, and that the original word. To philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer. The book of philemon is a prison epistle letter written while in prison, which paul wrote circa 61 a. A hermeneutical analysis of philemon by jonathan a. So must we remember christian friends much and often, as their case may need, bearing them in our thoughts and upon our hearts before our god.
The working preacher team believes that god uses good biblical preaching to change lives. Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. Philemon resources commentaries, sermons, illustrations, devotionals see disclaimer. Paul wrote to this church as though it were his own. It was written to philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant onesimus, who was a new believer in jesus christ. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian. Philemon greetings though paul was a prisoner of rome, he considered his bonds to be a means of furthering christs cause philemon 1, 9, 10, 2223. The book of philemon illustrates that principles like these can and should profoundly affect the lives of believers.
Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary on. Read your own bible, the bible as quoted on this site, and my comments. We are writing to philemon our fellow worker and friend, whom we love very much. Gordon fee in his book how to read the ible for all its worth lays out the form of ancient letters as follows with examples from philemon added. The relationship between exegesis and expository preaching robert l. Biblical exegesis involves the examination of a particular text of scripture in order to properly interpret it.
During his flight, onesimus encountered paul in rome, and through his ministry came to faith in christ. There is little doubt that paul wrote this epistle, since he refers to himself at least three times in verses 1, 9 and 19. It is a prison letter, coauthored by paul the apostle with timothy, to philemon, a leader in the colossian church. There are a number of other notable commentaries on the books of colossians and philemon. Study the bible online using commentary on philemon and more. This is the only place in the new testament where philemon is mentioned by name, but we do know that he was a beloved friend to paul. So if you have your bibles with you today, open up to the book of philemon. Observations and methods of gifted expositors of scripture if exegetical theology is worth anything, it must aid the student and pastorteacher in bridging the gap between the original situation and the presentday audience kaiser, 186 the word is supernatural, and woe to the preacher who leaves. Unto philemon our dearly beloved there is a peculiarity in the use of proper names in this epistle which is not found in any other part of st. Could the common view of onesimus as a runaway, thieving slave be wrong. Pauls epistle to philemon is one of the few books in the nt whose authenticity has hardly ever been doubted. Watson introduction i have read various books on theological hermeneutics, and one, whose title has slipped my mind, had once suggested the hermeneutics isnt only about picking up the bible, analyzing it, and putting it back down, but also making an application through it.
David guzik commentary on pauls letter to philemon, which is a plea to his friend. Now i suspect that philemon may be a difficult book for you to find. Appeal for forgiveness click chart to enlarge charts from jensens survey of the nt used by permission another overview chart philemon. Philemon 1 bible commentary matthew henry concise christianity. Biblical literature types of biblical hermeneutics. Exegesis of philemon presented at the chicago conference at st. Paul reminds philemon that he is in chains because of the gospel. Philemon 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Study the bible online using commentary on philemon 1 and more. And we are writing to the christians who meet in your house. Onesimus, a slave in colossae, had evidently robbed philemon, his master verse 18, and run away. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make. Here is the matter both of his praises and prayers, in reference to philemon. Paul had explained the gospel to philemon and had witnessed the profound result.
Smith, atlantic baptist university, in religious studies 1023. Paul, a prisoner of jesus christ it has already been noted, in the preface, that paul was a prisoner at rome when he wrote this epistle, and those to the colossians and philippians. A petition from one suffering for christ and his gospel would surely be tenderly. Philemon 125 friendship, forgiveness, reputation discussion questions 1. Onesimus is a brother in gods family and philemon loves him very much. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as a prisoner of jesus christ, calling. You can find the best commentary on philemon for you using the tools on the right side. Study philemon 1 using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better. Paul mentions his own name three times in this his shortest. Many people are turned off to the bible because they perceive it to be a book which addresses doctrinal issues they are unable to understand because they havent been to some religious school they think understanding the bible requires some theological degree. Top 5 commentaries on the books of colossians and philemon.
Jerome in his commentary on the epistle, mentions the. An explanation of the details of a given text imparts information that is otherwise unavailable to the average untrained parishioner. Philemon was a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home. Although he should have been apprehensive about his own wellbeing, paul is concerned about onesimus, a runaway slave, whose master philemon he appears. Can this short letter be viewed from different perspectives. This is a story that includes a more than likely runaway slave, onesimus, who has come to know paul in rome, was converted by paul to the christian faith by paul, and rendered voluntary service to paul in his roman imprisonment. Callahan argues that the earliest commentators on this work the homily of origen and the antimarcion preface are silent about onesimus.
The book of philemon was written in approximately a. Paul intended to visit there when he was released from prison philemon 22. Biblical interpretation and exegesis are skills developed over time, so dont be discouraged if you find the process difficult at first. A free bible version and commentary on pauls letter to philemon in easyenglish. Read philemon commentary using john gills exposition of the bible. The oracles are primarily prophetic utterances, but often their narrative setting has also come to acquire oracular. We have enlisted hundreds of friends biblical scholars, theologians, homileticians and pastors dedicated to the craft of biblical preaching to provide you timely, compelling and trustworthy content.
Biblical commentary bible study philemon 121 exegesis. Paul had had an account of them from the repentant youth, but he had far too much tact to occupy himself and philemon in the discussion of details. Philemon commentary john gills exposition of the bible. Explain the cultural and historical background of the book of colossians. The key personalities of philemon are paul, philemon, and onesimus. The book was written around 62 ad during paul first imprisonment in rome. Philemon 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. Also, paul asks philemon to accept onesimus as a fellow christian rather than as a slave. Philemon is a perfect example of what ancient letters were typically like in the grecoroman world.
Course objectives upon completion of this course, you should be able to. The letter suggests that paul was in prison at the time of the writing. Working preacher is a ministry brought to you by luther seminary. Paul wrote to philemon, a christian brother living in colosse. The book of philemons moral vision is that social hierarchies, such as the one between. There seems to be only one surety in this matter, namely that paul was in prison at the time 4. Thomas the distinctive characteristic of expository preaching is its instructional function. Philemon 1 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, filling six volumes, provides an exhaustive look at every verse in the bible. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The apostles joy and praise for philemon s steady faith in the lord jesus, and love to all the saints. The letter to philemon is the shortest of all pauls writings and deals with the practice of slavery. A scholarly, generally conservative interpretation with valuable introductions and word studies and exegetical comments. Recommended sites bible info questions with answers in major world languages. Commentary on philemon a critical and exegetical commentary on pauls epistles to the philippians and philemon icc daniel whedon commentary on philemon. Introduction to the book of philemon, new american bible. Paul tries to convince philemon to make the right decision. As has been said, the importance of biblical hermeneutics has lain in the bibles status as a sacred book in judaism and christianity, recording a divine revelation or reproducing divine oracles. It is directed to philemon, which means kisses or one that is affectionate, in behalf of onesimus, which means profitable or usefulness. Matthews, 1998, hendrickson publishers the divine outline of history, tapes on philemon, r. The book of philemon in the world wide study bible.
Date and place of writing there are numerous hypotheses over the dating of the book of colossians and its provenance. Paul had explained the gospel to philemon and had witnessed the profound. Its canonicity was widely recognized in the early church, particularly by. He thanks god for the love which he heard philemon had towards the lord jesus.
In the bible book that bears philemons name, paul addressed his beloved. Watson introduction i have read various books on theological hermeneutics, and one, whose title has slipped my mind, had once suggested the hermeneutics isnt only about picking up the bible, analyzing it, and putting it back down, but also. Therefore, though i might be very bold in christ to command you what is fitting, yet for. The first 39 chapters of the book of isaiah prophesy doom for a sinful judah and for all the nations of the world that oppose god. Feb 22, 2009 lucass commentary on colossians and philemon is probably the best introductory level commentary on these two books. For a broader view look at the comments in the right column. Section 8 the exegetical process observations and methods of. Grace to you, and peace, from god our father and our lord jesus christ. This epistle is the story of three main characters, onesimus, philemon and paul and their interaction. Use good exegetical methodology for studying a new testament epistle. A word list at the end explains words with a star by them. It warns them of what will happen to them if they continue to oppose god. Paul encourages onesimus to return to philemon, his former master. Exegesis is a part of the process of hermeneutics, the science of interpretation.
Carson, the epistle of paul to the colossians and philemon, an introduction and commentary eerdmans, grand rapids, 1960, 29. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one. Read philemon 1 commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. To philemon our beloved and coworker, and apphia, a sister, and archippus our cosoldier, and to the assembly in your home. This is one of four pauline epistles written to individuals rather than to congregations the other three being 12 timothy and philemon. A church came into existence in colosse philemon 2, and epaphras was the minister colossians 1. I am inclined toward the second meaning, since it best explains pauls. Nov 27, 2019 8 they read from the book, from the law of god, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Like all of the commentaries in this series, it emphasizes the big picture and the overall flow of the text. Lessons learned from philemon simple bible studies. Thirdly, if onesimus stayed he helped man in chains for the gospel. Activity read the parts of the letter and let them identify it in the letter 1. Colossians and philemon zondervan exegetical commentary. To philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to apphia our sister, to archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home.
Philemon 1 commentary philemons relationship to onesimus. Philemon bible study lesson 1 historical backgrounds of. Today, as we look at the book of philemon, we are going to see forgiveness in action. For personal study, i suggest you start at the beginning of a chapter or book.
Philemon 1 commentary matthew henrys complete commentary. Going through these steps will give you tools to better understand the rich collection of texts that make up the bible and deepen your understanding of the meaning and significance of this complex book as a. It would have been needlessly irritating to philemon to go into the details of onesimuss offences. Philemon stands as one piece of strong evidence to the contrary, revealing that lofty doctrines such as the love of god, forgiveness in christ, or the inherent dignity of humanity have real and pertinent impact in everyday life. The title of this letter is the name of the addressee, taken from verse 1. A common published form of biblical exegesis is known as a bible commentary and typically takes the form of a set of books, each of which is devoted to the exposition of one or two books of the bible. Apparently philemon was welltodo, for his home was large enough to accommodate the church assemblies, and he was a slave owner. A person who practices exegesis is called an exegete.
Biblical literature biblical literature types of biblical hermeneutics. Philemon with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Pauls friendship with philemon is shown by something significantly missing in his greeting. This personal note from paul to philemon is such a graceful little masterpiece of fine courtesy, exquisite tact, and even playfulness of wit, and withal it has such distinct spiritual values, that one can only wonder sadly at those who have begrudged it the little niche which. Philemon was the master of onesimus, a runaway slave.