The reason that these books should be linked together is much like reading Luke/Acts as a single or combined volume. The narratives compliment one another and should be read concurrently. Bible scholars date this writing around the year 61 AD, and it was probably addressed to the saints at Colossae while the Apostle Paul was held as a prisoner in Caesarea (Cp. Acts 25: 4; Colossians 4: 3b; Philemon 1: 1, 9b, 13b), awaiting extradition to appear before Caesar Augustus in Rome (Cp. Acts 25: 10, 21).
Colossians 4: 7-9
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They [Tychicus and Onesimus] will make known to you all things which are happening here [Caesarea??].
Colossians 3: 22-24; 4: 1
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
NOTE: This is a revolutionary concept as it challenges the power relationship between servant and master, as well as the obligation of the servant to faithfully perform his duties as to the LORD and not man.
Philemon 8-10, 12, 15-17
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you-being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ- I appeal to you for my son [in the gospel] Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. I am sending him back to you. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart. For perhaps he departed for awhile for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave-a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the LORD.
COMMENTARY: It appears that Onesimus was from Colossae but it is not known how he became a slave to Philemon. Onesimus fled the service of his master and must have been led to the LORD by the teaching of the Apostle Paul during his two year incarceration in Caesarea. This is one of the few, if not the only truly personal letters from the Apostle Paul that does not strictly deal with doctrinal issues and Church organization. This is a very passionate appeal and a softer side of the Apostle that is not presented elsewhere in the New Testament from his pen, and is remarkable because it reorients the relationship between master and slave. The Apostle Paul did not start this Church but heard about the saints there from Epaphras, as below:
Colossians 1: 4, 7
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints, as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.
In this letter to the Colossians the believers in Laodicea are mentioned several times, as in the following:
Colossians 2: 1
For I want you to know what a great conflict [anxiety] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh.
Colossians 4: 13, 15a-16
Now I bear him [Epaphras] witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea. Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
It seems that quite a few of Paul’s fellow workers whom he mentions in this letter to the Colossians are included in the epistle to Philemon, too, such as: Mark, Luke, Archippus, Demas and Aristarchus (Cp. Colossians 4: 10, 14, 17; Philemon 2, 24). Interestingly, Epaphras, who was also one of them [Colossians] was their minister (Cp. Colossians 1: 4, 7), but by the time Philemon receives Paul’s letter [probably in the same year] he end’s up being a prisoner right along with the apostle (Cp. Philemon 23).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 30, 2011
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
