I am starting a series on the “One Chapter” Books of the New Testament. Some of the basice thoughts were presented at “Polishing the Pulpit,” 2010. I taught these studies in the Winter 2010-2011 Quarter at Cherry Street Church of Christ in New Albany, IN.
The first lesson will be an introduction to the series and an introduction to the Book of Philemon.
-Some Characteristics of “Postcards”
What are some of the things you think about when you hear the word “postcard?”
- Postcards are very short. They are less than a page.
- Postcards are sent until individuals can talk face to face.
- Postcards are generally informal. They are sent by friends to friends.
- Postcards let loved ones know that you are okay and that you are thinking of them.
- Postcards are often accompanied by a beautiful picture.
- Postcards are cheaper to send than other correspondence.
- Postcards are generally kept or saved for generations.
- Postcards may be, and often are, read by others.
- Postcards often reveal future plans
Introduction of the Book of Philemon
Philemon is the most private, personal, and petite of Paul’s epistles.It is almost hidden in the New Testament, at near the end of Paul’s writings, between Titus and Hebrews.
- Date Written: c A.D. 60 (One of the 4 Prison Epistles)
- Author: The Apostle Paul (vs. 1, 9, 19)
- Theme: “Love Exemplified.”
Mark Copeland writes: “Like the epistle to the Colossians, the epistle to Philemon was written when Paul was in chains (1, 10, 13, 23) Timothy is mentioned in both Philemon 1 and in Col. 1:1. Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke joined in the salutation of both ) 23, 24; Col. 4:10-14). Onesimus, the subject of this epistle, was one of the messengers by whom the epistle to the Colossians was sent (Col. 4:7-9) Archippus, to who this epistle is partially addressed (2) is also addressed in the epistle to the Colossians (Col. 4:17).”
The Epistle of Philemon, was written to Philemon, a well to do citizen of Colossae. It was probably delivered by Tychicus, who delivered both the Ephesian and Colossian letters. His companion was Onesimus, one of the main characters of this narrative.
Philemon touched on a very sensitive issue in the first century – slavery. No doubt, some would have suggested that Paul had stopped preaching and gone to meddling.
Philippians and Philemon allow us to see his heart. In those books, we see how loving he was.
Martin Luther noted, “We are all God’s Onesimi.” For sure, there is some of us in Onesimus.
Larry Miles is a Christian Writer. He lives in Louisville, KY