Did Onesimus run away from Philemon?

Scholars such as John Chrysostom in the third century, John Knox in the sixteenth century, and E.J Goodspeed in the modern era have mostly held the runaway-slave hypothesis (Dunn 1996:308-309). According to this hypothesis, Onesimus fled from the household of Philemon to Rome or Ephesus after he stole from Philemon.

What is the major underlying message of the letter to Philemon?

While passing no judgment on slavery itself, Paul exhorts Philemon to manifest true Christian love, which removes barriers between enslaved people and free people.

What kind of person was Philemon?

Philemon was a wealthy Christian and a minister (possibly a bishop) of the house church that met in his home. The Menaia of 22 November speak of Philemon as a holy apostle who, in company with Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus had been martyred at Colossae during the first general persecution in the reign of Nero.

What did Paul order Philemon to do with Onesimus?

Paul could order Philemon to welcome back Onesimus unreservedly, and release him back into Paul’s service. Nevertheless Paul leaves it to Philemon’s own free will (Philemon 1:8-9,14,21).

How did Paul and Onesimus meet in prison?

We do not know how Onesimus met Paul in prison. Some say that Onesimus was visiting Paul to help him on Philemon’s behalf. But Paul describes Onesimus as “once unprofitable” to Philemon (Philemon 1:10-11,18). This suggests that Onesimus might have broken the law and was doing time in jail.

What did Onesimus reply to the first question?

His reply to the first question was Exodus 12, Psalm 32, Romans 1:16-20 and (now I thought I must be going slightly mad…) Philemon! In reply to the second question he said that it was very hard to say, but probably his favourite sermon was ‘Charge that to my account’ from, of course, the book of Philemon!

What is the Book of Philemon?

Philemon Summary. by Jay Smith. The book of Philemon is a Prison Epistle (letter written while in prison), which Paul wrote circa 61 A.D. The key personalities of Philemon are Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus . It was written to Philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant Onesimus, who was a new believer in Jesus Christ.