Philemon contains one chapter, 25 verses and 439 verses total in the King James Bible. It is the Apostle Paul's shortest writing. Additionally, it is tied as the smallest Biblical book in terms of chapters, the fourth shortest in verses and the third shortest in regard to word count.
Date Written, Location
Philemon was written by the Apostle Paul from 61 to 63 A.D. while he was a prisoner in Rome. He penned this letter to his friend during his most productive writing period. During this time in prison he authored five Biblical books (Hebrews, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon).
The Author
The Apostle Paul wrote Philemon between the ages of 59 and 61. He lived several more years until May or June of 68 A.D. when he was beheaded and martyred by the Roman Empire. He is buried somewhere in Rome.
Philemon Chapter Outline
Chpt. 1: Paul opens by greeting Philemon, a fellow Christian and well off slave owner living in Colosse. He also greets Apphia, likely Philemon's wife, and Archippus, possibly their son. He additionally sends his love to the group of Christians meeting in Philemon's house for worship every Sabbath.
Verses 5 to 7 praises Philemon's generosity and willingness to serve Christians. Believers who experience his love say that it spiritually refreshes them.
Paul then starts to get to the point of his letter by first stating he could command Philemon to do what he is about to request. The apostle chooses, instead, to encourage his friend to do what is right.
[Where Is the True Church of God?]
The apostle reveals, in verse 10, that a runaway slave named Onesimus whom Philemon owned made his way to Rome. Once in the Roman capital he sought out and found Paul whose preaching led to him becoming a Christian.
Although Onesimus proves to be a valuable help to Paul, his status as Philemon's property motivates the apostle to send him back to his master.
Paul gently attempts to convince Philemon that the right thing to do, in spite of any wrongs Onesimus committed, is to forgive him. Paul's desire is that Onesimus be treated as a fellow Christian, when he arrives home, and that he be received as if it were the apostle (greatly hinting that he should be freed).
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me . . . If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself (Philemon 1:16 - 17).
Paul, in order to further soften his friend's response to his slave, agrees to repay Philemon for any losses Onesimus caused including anything he may have stolen. He also promises to visit his friend once he is freed from prison.
Philemon closes with greetings from five of those in Rome aiding Paul's work. Two of these people, Mark and Luke, are also writers of New Testament books.