Philemon Epistle Essay

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Philemon Epistle Philemon epistle begins with an introduction as to who is composing this letter and also indicated that he has a witness who could confirm that this letter was written by the author. Biblical history from Gen. 31: 44-54) down through the time when this epistle was written 60-63 AD that it was customary to have a witness present for important issues. (John 8:7) In our society and churches today this custom is still in practice. (Matt. 18:15) Our author announces that Timothy their brother is with him. The word brother is being used in the context of brother in Christ, not a biological brother. Paul the author of this epistle, chosen directly by Jesus Christ to be an Apostle while he was on the Damascus Road. Paul was one who persecuted the church. Paul himself stated in I Tim. 1:13 NIV) referring to himself: ( “Even though I was once!! A blasphemer!! , a persecutor!! and a violent man.” We can also read about his conversion with Christ on the Damascus Road in Acts 9: 1-19; Acts 22: 3-16 and Acts 26: 9-18. These scriptures back up his title as an Apostle. After Paul’s encounter with Jesus his life changed from persecutor of the church to church convertor, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, his mission assigned by Jesus. (Acts 9:15) Paul states in the introduction that he is a prisoner of Christ. He is letting us know that he is no longer free to do his will but he must carry out his assign mission Jesus has given him in (Acts 9:15) Philemon a Gentile, whom this epistle is written to, was one of his converts, who accepted the call of salvation after hearing Paul, preach. Philemon became a prominent member in the church at Colossae. Some things we know about Philemon based on the time and culture when this epistle was written 60-63 AD, are for one he was a wealthy man because he had a house large

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