An Example
From Paul—a prisoner of the messiah, Jesus; and from Timothy—the brother.
To Philemon—our beloved fellow-worker; to Apphia—our sister; to Archippus—our fellow-soldier; and to the church in your house.
Grace and peace to you. This is from God our father and from the lord—Jesus the messiah.
Thanksgiving
I constantly thank my God when I mention you in my prayers. I hear about the love and faith that you have toward the lord, Jesus, and for all the holy people. Therefore, your mutual faith aggressively produces everything good for us in the messiah. I get lots of joy and comfort from your love—you refresh the hearts of the holy people, brother.
The Problem with Onesimus
With this in mind, I could boldly demand by the messiah that you do what is right. Instead, though, I only ask out of love—considering that I am Paul, the elder, and since I am a prisoner for the messiah, Jesus.
I want you to encourage me regarding my child—he became my son during my imprisonment—Onesimus. He was formerly useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. I return him back to you in person. He has my affection. I wanted to to keep him for myself; he took care of me in your place while I was in prison because of the good news.
However, I did not want to do anything without your consent. Now you should do what is right by choice instead of command.
Maybe this is why he was separated for a little while—so that you could have him back forever. Before he was just a slave, but now he is a dear brother. He was valuable to me. How much more is he worth to you, not just personally, but also in the lord?
So, if you have fellowship with me, accept him as if it were me. If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I WILL PAY.
I do not want to remind you that you owe your life to me. Brother, I definitely want some benefit from you in the lord. Refresh my spirit for the messiah. I have written to you knowing you will comply. I am certain that you will do more than what I said.
Concluding Remarks
By the way, prepare a guest room for me. I intend to visit you all just like you prayed.
Epaphras, my prison comrade, sends you greetings in the messiah, Jesus. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers, also greet you.
May the grace of our the lord, Jesus the messiah, be with your spirits.
Who wrote this letter? Where are they? Who is with them?
Who were the recipients of this letter? Where are they? Who is with them?
What is the relationship between the authors and the recipients?
What is going on in the early church? What is the national and political context?
What social institutions are reflected in the letter?
Are there any special phrases, metaphors, or terms with double meaning?
What is the subject of the letter? What has happened between the individuals? What does the author want them to do?
What does this letter say about relationships in the church? What does the author want the relationships to be like?
How does the thanksgiving relate to the main point of the letter?
Look at the next Section.