Christian New Testament: A Commentary On Philemon Letter

One of Paul's shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of Philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as ""a prisoner of Jesus Christ"", calling Timothy ""our brother"", and addressing Philemon as ""fellow-laborer"" and ""brother"". It's written to Philemon whose slave Onesimus ran away and became a believer under Paul's teaching.

In Philemon letter, we see many clear descriptions of what happened in the earliest churches and what their culture was like. While short, Philemon is a beautiful and deep articulation of healthy church life.

Philemon also gives a crystal clear picture of God's position on slavery; we have dedicated a chapter to this at the end.

This book unfolds the profound, practical teaching of Philemon as a clear precedent for all believers everywhere in the Roman world, and every follower of Christ since.