Biblical Perspectives: The Book of Philemon There are many different perspectives people can have about the Book of Philemon. For that reason, it is important to try to have some understanding of such and important letter. The letter of Paul to Philemon was written so long ago, but it can still be relatable today. The apostle Paul lived his life to serve God and he saw the good in others, even in a man who was a slave and prisoner. Paul’s intentions and brave request for Onesimus went against the norms of their society. Therefore, people in the Christian community use his letter as an example of the way we should be treating each other. The book of Philemon is about forgiveness and seeing one another equally as God intended. Literary …show more content…
Melick makes a good point when he states, the letter was a personal letter from a friend to a friend, scholars have treated this way, and it was a problem that did not need the church intervention (1991, pg. 6). This is notable as he gives Philemon praise as he makes him out to be a man of God just like him (v. 6). This type of letter could be interpreted to be Paul’s intent to persuade Philemon to accept his request. Paul writes, “For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love..” (v. 8-9). This persuasive manner is just reinforcing the reasons why he feels Onesimus would be more useful as a servant of God and not a slave. In the end, as he is closing the letter he writes he is confident in Philemon’s obedience and to prepare a guest room for him (v. 21-22). He is still using God and his brotherhood to move him into seeing Paul as a friend who is requesting a …show more content…
People have mad the mistake to judge and categorize everyone depending on their social status. This occurs today as it occurred back then. The Letter of Paul to Philemon is a great example of someone living by God’s grace. Paul was very brave to come forward and speak for a runaway slave. He spoke highly of him because he judged his work ethic and not the label his society had put on him. Paul asked for Philemon’s forgiveness because it was the respectable thing to do. However, it was clear that he felt Philemon would agree based on his own devotion to God. I feel that Paul was smart to use his status and to praise Philemon into remembering the importance of forgiveness and brotherhood. I think the letter is still relevant today because we are still putting labels on each other. People should use Paul’s letter to reflect on the importance this letter was in their society and how important it is today. God would want us to treat each other with love and respect because we are all equal in his
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We as Christians are urged to pass our knowledge and love of Christ on to others who might receive the gift of life by being obedient and trusting in Jesus Christ. Paul explained that they were the people who were chosen by Christ and the letter he was writing was to all of those who were in Rome. Paul continues to tell the people of Rome that God has chosen them to be his very own people then he expressed his gratitude and hopes that Christ will bless and be kind to them for being faithful Christians, but first Paul gives God all of the glory and thankfulness. Paul is eager to share with them the same blessings that the Spirit has given to him. He continues to tell them that they can share faith and work together with encouragement.
Paul addresses several issues that can been seen in today’s society. Taking from the scriptures we can see that Paul’s understanding of God’s plan for his people is very clear. If we look at how our own lives we can relate to these eight chapters in Romans that we can see they have just as much meaning in Paul’s time as they do today. The letters that Paul writes to the Roman’s seems they are harsh, but if we look at them closer we can see it is God’s plan given to Paul for his people to follow.
His manuscripts expressed the reality of rightous proception in faith and it's purpose to confronting it to the dynamics of the world. Paul wrote Philemon in reason of defusing the reality of Onesimus return to his owner, hoping that Philemon would put his Christian beliefs to practice when it came to his reaction of Onesimus return. "Paul promises to pay Philemon the financial loss caused by Onesimus theft. "P.455 *** Paul's historical factors display the concern to the situation of Onesimus going back to his owner, making these scriptures a historical note of extending the message of God's grace. "
The Book of Philemon and Forgiveness I. Introduction A. Thesis statement: The book of Philemon is about the connection between God and Paul encouraging Philemon to forgive Onesimus. II. Literary World A. The letter from Paul about Philemon and forgiveness 1. Paul opens the letter with a prayer hoping that Philemon would demonstrate the kindness from his faith for God.
Paul was devoted to spreading the gospel to many different people groups. An example from Paul's life that has taught me about spreading God's word is when he preached on his first missionary journey in Acts 13, even after many Jews slandered him and argued against everything he said. Paul’s demonstration of courage in this situation is very inspiring to me. It teaches me to be bold in my belief of the gospel, even when people disagree with me. Another
In the Book of Romans Paul wrote many letters answering questions about the human world, mankind’s relations with God, the natural world and most importantly the plan of salvation. Paul wrote these letters to tell the truth, to tell that no matter what race or religion, we are all sinner and the only way to truly become righteous is though faith in Jesus Christ. In Rome at that time you had two extremes of people, the heathens, and those who thought they were holier than thou (Jews). In todays society we still have those two extremes but we also have a middle ground, those who are straddling the fence. Paul just wanted the entire human race to know that we are guilty before God for both past and
By gaining a better understanding of that culture we can continue to interpret passages of scripture through a more accurate lens. In Philemon we are able to see the way the honor culture has shaped Paul’s letter, and better understand the gravity of the situation. Accepting a runaway slave back into the household, no longer as a slave, but as a brother; without receiving punishment, was a completely radical concept at the time . This also helps us to better understand the impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the lives of these people. Paul is able to boldly write this letter, not because of his own authority, but because of “the faith that [Philemon has] toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints” (Philemon,
In this letter Apostle Paul showed how great his love was for the church of Philippi, showing his gratitude for their financial support to further the work of the ministry and to express his concern about their spiritual walk. His only thought was about advancing the cause of Christ and building the Philippians’ faith to continue their mission in spite of the persecution they were facing. Within their church many of the people were at odds and some were trying to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Because of this, Paul encourages the church of Philippi to "stand fast, be of the same mind, rejoice in the Lord always but by prayer let your request be made known and the peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (4:1-7).
Paul begins the letter of Romans by introducing himself and stating his mission. Concisely stating the gospel message, Paul encourages the Roman Christians to “bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name” (1:5), or for the glory of Jesus Christ. He goes on to write of his desires and intentions to visit Rome in order to preach the gospel of Christ to the Jews as well as the Gentiles. Paul continues by explaining his excitement for the gospel as well as the need to live the gospel out in our lives. Finishing the first chapter, Paul presents the inexcusable idolatry, sinfulness, and evilness of the ungodly.
For most Americans in this age, the word “cowboy” will call to mind iconic images of a horseman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a belt of bullets, and a flannel shirt; he might be guiding his herd lazily along grassy plains, singing folk songs around a campfire with his companions under a starry sky, riding off with a beautiful ranch girl into an iconic sunset backdrop, or even wearing a mask and enforcing vigilante justice in a small town terrorized by hardened western thugs or hostile Native Americans. These clichés are drawn mostly from the hundreds of movies and television productions that claim the title “Western”. This cinematic conception of the cowboy was a personification of the American spirit of rugged individualism and intrepid pioneering but it is largely only the result of Hollywood westerns of the 20th century, and not consistent with the actual reality of cowboy life.
However, Paul knew that it was only right for Onesimus to return to Philemon when traveling conditions were permissible and to endure whatever punishment or treatment might occur. Paul wrote to Philemon, whom he had also led to Christ, to plead for mercy and understanding on behalf of Onesimus. It was Paul’s desire to encourage Philemon to welcome Onesimus back with a forgiving heart, but most importantly a brotherly heart. Additionally, Paul asked for hospitality when he visits.
8 Paul begins his main message here. He makes it known that he has authority in Jesus to give a commanding order to tell Philemon to do what is right without question. The authority comes out from the fact that Jesus had expressed the need for forgiveness of debts, especially through his Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. Given that Paul was elected by Jesus out from his stand with the Pharisees, and as a Christian he had a right to make rebukes, he had firmly rooted authority to tell Philemon what to do.
In verses 1-7, Paul gives his greetings to Philemon and presents his appreciation and gratitude for Him as a brother and worker in Jesus Christ. Philemon was most likely a wealthy member of the church in Colosse. Paul begins by softening up Philemon, as to prepare him initially, before mentioning Onesimus his runaway slave. Philemon was angry with his absent slave. In Vs six Philemon says I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.
African Americans of today need to enroll to vote and make utilization of their voting rights If they need to see an adjustment in the present condition of majority rules system. In the contemporary universe of today Americans are said to live in the most equivalent country, one where its natives are qualified for an assortment of natural rights, one specifically being the privilege to vote. However this was not generally the situation. From the seasons of the late Malcolm X, we have not gained much ground in our voting issues. We have the decision and the capacity to vote, however, would we say we are as a man (the African group) using these rights to the most extreme?