Questions about Paul's letter to Philemon. This personal letter was written to Philemon on behalf of a converted, runaway slave name Onesimus.
6
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Is Paul suggesting that Philemon release Onesimus from slavery?
The key passage in Philemon 1:15-16 (ESV):
For this perhaps is why [Onesimus] was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a ...
6
votes
1answer
64 views
How sure can we be that Archippus was a church leader?
Paul twice mentions Archippus. In Philemon he is a fellow soldier, and, in Colossians, he has some sort of ministry to fulfill.
Colossians 4:17 "Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which ...
5
votes
2answers
75 views
Meaning of ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου in Philemon 6
What is the meaning of ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου in Philemon 6? I have seen it rendered fellowship, sharing, communication, et cetera, but I haven't been able to clearly ascertain Paul's ...
6
votes
1answer
105 views
Is Philemon tongue in cheek?
When I read Philemon, it seems overwhelming tongue in cheek, like Paul is cheerfully goading his friend, Philemon. Here's the relevant part (with my comments in italics):
8 Therefore, although in ...
