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Profile:
Name: Letter to the Philemon
Author: Paul
Dating: c. 60-61 CE
Letter to the Philemon:
Paul's letter to Philemon
is primarily about Philemon's slave, Onesimus (which means "useful" - a name commonly
given to useful slaves). It is, then, the only "personal" letter of Paul's which has
survived - all of the rest are letters designed for entire communities. Onesimus had
escaped from Philemon but was later thrown in prison where he met Paul. There he
converted to Christianity and, upon their release, was convinced by Paul to return to
Philemon where he risked being put to death for his flight.
Philemon, however, had also converted to Christianity and was deeply moved by Paul's request that he accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ. He must be willing to forgive Onesimus just as Christ is willing to forgive him.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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