Lexical Definition

‎Φιλήμων‎ Philḗmōn (fil-ay'-mone) Philemon ^N:N-M-P
from ‎φιλέω‎

Philemon.

• friendly
• Philemon, a Christian

Abbott-Smith

φιλήμων, -ονος, ὁ
Philemon: Phm 1.†

Abbott-Smith References

Profile

Male • Recipient of Paul's letter, Colossian slave owner

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Philemon, a Christian from Colossae to whom Paul wrote a letter appealing for the reconciliation with his runaway slave, Onesimus.

• A man living at the time of the New Testament, first mentioned at Phm.1.1;
• referred to as Philemon or [ ] (KJV= Philemon) Φιλήμων.

Philemon was a Christian from the city of Colossae to whom the Apostle Paul wrote a personal letter. The letter, which is included in the New Testament canon, deals with the situation of Onesimus, Philemon's slave who had run away and had subsequently become a Christian under Paul's ministry.

In the letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul emphasizes the transformation that has taken place in Onesimus' life and urges Philemon to demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation.

Although the specific outcome of Paul's request is not recorded in the Bible, the letter provides valuable insights into the early Christian church's approach to social issues, such as slavery, and the transformative power of the gospel in personal relationships. The letter also demonstrates Paul's pastoral concern for both Onesimus and Philemon and his desire to see the principles of Christian love and unity applied in their situation.

All entries for Philemon: Φιλήμων