Why was Philemon included in the Canon?

The Author of the book of Philemon

The Book of Philemon was authored by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. It is a brief yet powerful letter directed to Philemon, a Christian believer in Colossae. Philemon, who likely hosted a house church, received this personal letter concerning Onesimus, his runaway slave who had encountered Paul and converted to Christianity. Paul, recognizing the opportunity for reconciliation, wrote to Philemon to address the situation in a manner reflecting Christian principles.

Delivered by Paul’s trusted friend Tychicus, alongside the Epistle to the Colossians, the letter to Philemon is notable for its intimate tone and appeal to Christian love and forgiveness. Paul urges Philemon to accept Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the radical equality it promotes. This personal and pastoral appeal, combined with Paul’s apostolic authority, underscores the letter’s enduring significance and its inclusion in the Christian Canon.

Onesimus

Onesimus was unhappy with his condition as a slave. So, he escaped his post and took with him some of his master’s possessions. With time, he went to Rome. And there, he met Paul probably hoping for Christian assistance. Onesimus conscience convinced him to fix his past wrong actions and return to his master.

So, Paul wrote the epistle to Philemon to mediate for Onesimus. And the slave returned to his master with Paul’s messenger, Tychicus. The honorable language of the letter shows Paul’s trust that Philemon would accept Onesimus back as a “brother beloved” (verse 16). And it is certain that Paul’s trust was rewarded.

This short epistle of Christian love is part of the canon of Scripture because it is a personal letter dealing with a common problem of that day. This problem depicts the relationship between a Christian master and a repentant slave. It is an appeal to Christian charity. It is a call to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us (Matthew 6:12). The epistle to Philemon is valued once we understand the nature of the slave issue that existed in the Roman Empire at Paul’s time.

Slavery at Paul’s Time

At that time, slaves were a part of the social make up of society. They were regarded as part of their master’s household. Between the years 146 B.C. and A.D. 235, the percentage of slaves to freemen was three to one. Pliny says that in the time of Augustus a freedman by the name of Caecilius held 4,116 slaves (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1966 ed., vol. 20, pp. 776, 777, art. “Slavery”).

Because most of the inhabitants were slaves, the rulers passed harsh laws to control them from escaping and rebellion. Originally, according to Roman law, the master had total power of life and death over his slaves. Slaves could not own any possessions. And they could not legally marry, but were sometimes permitted to do so to increase their master’s capital. But a slave understood that he might lose his family at any time.

Slaves could not appeal to civil law for justice. A fleeting slave could not go any where. And he could not be a witness. If the law accused a master of a wrongdoing, he could offer his slave to be questioned and tortured in his place. The law punished the escaped slave by crucifixion or by being thrown to hungry fish.

The Roman law allowed for the liberation of slaves. If a slave pleased his master, the latter set him free. In rare times, it was possible for the freedmen to earn high positions of authority. But their property, when they died without inheritors, went back to their previous masters. Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea Province 52–60, was such an example. By about A.D. 200, the expansion of Christianity improved the conditions of slaves greatly.

Themes in the book of Philemon

This book, though brief, encompasses several profound themes that have resonated with Christian thought and ethics throughout history:

1. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Central to the letter is Paul’s plea for Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This theme highlights the power of forgiveness and the importance of reconciling broken relationships within the Christian community.
2. Christian Brotherhood and Equality: Paul emphasizes the equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of social status. By asking Philemon to view Onesimus as a brother rather than a slave, Paul underscores the radical social transformation that Christianity advocates, where every individual is valued equally.
3. Transformation and Redemption: Onesimus’s conversion to Christianity signifies the transformative power of faith. Paul’s intercession on behalf of Onesimus illustrates the redemptive potential for every individual, regardless of their past actions.
4. Intercession and Advocacy: Paul’s role as an intercessor for Onesimus reflects the broader Christian call to advocate for others, especially those who are marginalized or in vulnerable positions. This theme mirrors Christ’s intercession for humanity.
5. Love and Compassion in Action: Paul’s appeal is rooted in Christian love (agape) and compassion. Rather than using his authority to command Philemon, Paul appeals to his sense of love and kindness, demonstrating how Christian ethics should be practiced in daily life.
6. Authority and Persuasion: The letter also explores the nature of Christian leadership and authority. Paul, despite his position as an apostle, chooses to persuade rather than command, highlighting a leadership style based on mutual respect and voluntary adherence to Christian principles.

These themes collectively illustrate the profound moral and ethical teachings of Christianity, making this book a significant and timeless piece of biblical literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Book of Philemon was included in the Christian Canon for several compelling reasons. Its authorship by the Apostle Paul, a central figure in early Christianity, lent it significant authority and credibility. Paul’s letters were highly respected and circulated among early Christian communities, contributing to the formation of Christian doctrine and practice.

The letter to Philemon addresses themes that are central to Christian theology and ethics, particularly forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of love. By appealing to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus, a runaway slave, as a brother in Christ, Paul emphasizes the radical equality and unity that the Christian faith promotes. This message was crucial for the early Church as it navigated the complexities of social hierarchies and sought to live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life.

Furthermore, the personal and pastoral nature of the letter provides a unique insight into the practical application of Christian principles. It illustrates how faith can transform personal relationships and societal norms, serving as a powerful example for believers. The inclusion of Philemon in the Canon highlights the importance of these themes and the lived experience of faith in the early Christian community.

Overall, the Book of Philemon’s combination of apostolic authorship, theological depth, and practical application solidified its recognition as a divinely inspired text, earning its place in the Canon and continuing to offer valuable lessons for Christians throughout history.