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Written By Paul, Philemon is the 18th Book of the Bible Essay example

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Within the American Bible, the 57th book is entitled “Philemon,” being the eighteenth book of the New Testament canon1. Paul, the writer of the letter, wrote this scripture as a letter format to his Christian brother, Philemon. Paul was in Rome, Italy, at the time where he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. By Paul being a prisoner, he assumedly had infinite time to write and deeply contemplate what to include within the letter he created. “Philemon” was written in 60 A.D. The after-death initiation likely caused for Paul to especially note God’s sacrifices to save the people as Paul orchestrated the letter. Paul had been charged with a house arrest in Rome. Due to the leeway of his consequences, he had little restrictions and was actually …show more content…

In the letter Paul writes: He has become in truth Onesimus [Useful], for he who was formerly useless to you is now useful indeed to me. It is he I am sending to you – and that means I am sending my heart!4 It becomes clear in these few lines that Paul expresses confident feelings about Onesimus by openly asking for Philemon to accept Onesimus back despite his past crimes. Although Paul’s writing has it is unclear specifically why he would ask Philemon in a sympathetic, rather delicate, way within the letter. He also clearly states that Onesimus is “useful” to Paul. By Paul openly writing this, I am confident that he meant that knowing Philemon’s decision could assist Paul greatly, especially within Paul’s soul. As modern Christians are repulsed by slavery, it is interesting to see this letter written about just that, because of Onesimus’ background. Paul had to persuade someone Philemon to accept Onesimus back. The major contribution Paul took was converting Onesimus to the Christian religion, knowing that Onesimus would not have a change singularly as a slave. This letter was possibly a moment to attempt to abolish the system of slavery5. Paul urges Philemon to welcome back Onesimus, “if then you regard me as a partner, and welcome him as you would welcome me”6. It is interesting that Paul asked for Philemon, with deep concern, to take Onesimus back as slave, or furthermore, a Brother. When reading the letter, curiosity grasps the reader

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