'An Analysis Of The Book Of Philemon'

Title
Accepting others who are different and reconciling with those who have wronged one another can be among the most challenging tasks. Individuals can differ in social class, interests, race or ethnicity, geographical location, occupation, economics and more. Many times differences can lead to resentment and categorizing individuals according to societal and cultural prejudices. If an individual does not conform to the categorical norm placed on them, a perceived wrong may occur between two parties. The historical world aspect of the Book of Philemon masterfully illustrates reconciliation between two such individuals when the apostle Paul writes a letter to Philemon, on behalf of Philemon’s slave, Onesimus; moreover, the Book of Philemon
Philemon was converted to Christianity through Paul, and although Philemon has a higher societal status as a wealthy man, than Paul who is in prison, Paul has greater authority over Philemon due to his apostolate status. In the letter Paul offers to pay for Onesimus’ transgressions and that he, “…will say nothing about you owing me even your own self” (Philem 19). Although Paul states that he will not use his authority to force his bidding onto Philemon, he reminds him that he has a spiritual obligation owed to Paul and his faith. He again exercises his authority over Philemon by asking him to prepare a room for him to stay. Paul is going to check in on Onesium and Philemon. PROOF FROM TEXT The letter instructs Philemon that the Christian action is to treat those in the Christian faith as a family, as equals under God.
Paul calls Onesimus his child, placing him into the fatherly role and also calls him brother. Paul asks Philemon not to free Onesimus, but to treat him part of his family. Pauls request would redefine their master-slave relationship. He writes to Philemon as an equal using words such as “brother”, but he asserts authority over him. This explicitly illustrated when Paul states, “command you to do your duty” (Philem 8). Although Onesimus has become a useful asset for Paul, he believes that the former slave would be even more useful,
Literary world: In verse 15, Paul introduces a hypothetical reason to show that Philemon can not only reconciliate with Onesimus as a master to slave, but be spiritually brought together through brotherhood of Christ. After appealing to the interests of Philemon, Paul states outright what he should do in verse 17. The “so” in “So if you consider me your partner…” places emphasis on the idea that the relationship between Paul and Philemon is dependent on his answer. Contemporary world: Paul is trying to get Philemon to, not only release Onesimus as a slave, but to accept him as a brother of Christ regardless of social class. Paul is preaching to the public through his letter, not just those of Philemon’s church. Paul wants Christians to accept each other regardless of social class, economics, influence or power, ethnicity, occupation, gender, or any other prejudice. The purpose of Paul’s letter is to teach that we are all children of God, and ultimately under, or prisoners, of His