Philemon, Epistle to

Philemon, Epistle to
   Was written from Rome at the same time as the epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians, and was sent also by Onesimus. It was addressed to Philemon and the members of his family.
   It was written for the purpose of interceding for Onesimus (q.v.), who had deserted his master Philemon and been "unprofitable" to him. Paul had found Onesimus at Rome, and had there been instrumental in his conversion, and now he sends him back to his master with this letter.
   This epistle has the character of a strictly private letter, and is the only one of such epistles preserved to us. "It exhibits the apostle in a new light. He throws off as far as possible his apostolic dignity and his fatherly authority over his converts. He speaks simply as Christian to Christian. He speaks, therefore, with that peculiar grace of humility and courtesy which has, under the reign of Christianity, developed the spirit of chivalry and what is called the character of a gentleman,' certainly very little known in the old Greek and Roman civilization" (Dr. Barry). (See Slave.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary. . 1897.

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  • Philemon — • A citizen of Colossae, to whom St. Paul addressed a private letter, unique in the New Testament, which bears his name. Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Philemon     Philemon    …   Catholic encyclopedia

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  • Philemon (New Testament person) — Philemon was the recipient of a private letter from Paul of Tarsus. This Epistle to Philemon, is found in the New Testament. Traditionally, Philemon is believed to have been a resident of Colossae in Phrygia. [CathEncy|wstitle=Philemon] However,… …   Wikipedia

  • Philemon — may refer to:People: * Philemon (poet), a poet of the Athenian Democracy * Philemon (New Testament person), the recipient of Saint Paul s Epistle to Philemon * Saint Philemon the actor, early fourth century Christian martyr * Philemon of Valaam… …   Wikipedia

  • Epistle to the Philippians —     Epistle to the Philippians     † Catholic Encyclopedia ► Epistle to the Philippians     I. HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES, OCCASION, AND CHARACTER     (See also PHILIPPI).     The Philippians, who were much endeared to St. Paul (i, 3, 7; iv, 1) had …   Catholic encyclopedia

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  • Epistle (in Scripture) — • The Old Testament exhibits two periods in its idea of an epistle: first, it presents the epistle under the general concept of a book or a writing; secondly, it regards the epistle as a distinct literary form. The New Testament presents a very… …   Catholic encyclopedia

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