Philemon
Gentile Believer of Colossae (traditionally); ancestry not stated, generally understood to be a Gentile · Early Church · New Testament
- Role
- Christian slave-owner to whom Paul wrote the letter to Philemon
- When
- c. AD 60-62
What they did
A beloved fellowlabourer of Paul in whose house a church met, known for his love and faith toward all saints; Paul asked him to receive his runaway slave Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Paul's letter to him shows how the gospel reconciles people and makes master and slave brothers in the Lord.
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Philemon 1:7 (KJV)
Bible references
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Philemon 1:1-2 (KJV)
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Philemon 1:4-7 (KJV)
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Philemon 1:15-17 (KJV)
Family
Apphia and Archippus are greeted with him (Philemon 1:2).