Philemon & Archippus

Philemon & Archippus



     The letter begins: “From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy--To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus.
     Because the letter is addressed to Philemon first, it is usually assumed that he was the owner of the slave Onesimus. However, it could also have been Archippus.
     Some scholars believe that Philemon might have been a presiding elder for the churches in the region of Laodicea. Paul could have been addressing the letter to him first because of his position in the church. (Such a thing could have been a tactful move so that Onesimus might not be taken and punished before the letter could be read. It might also have been due to the fact that the issue of slaves and masters being both Christian was a subject faced in the church.) There is some suggestion that the Philemon letter and the letter of Colossians may have been sent at the same time. Colossians does refer to another letter, saying “And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.”
     Archippus is mentioned in the letter to the Colossians. The Christians there are commanded to “say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfil the ministry which you have received in the Lord’” (4:17).
     Some scholars have suggested that Archippus was the son of Philemon and Apphia. But there is no real evidence for this.
     Paul clearly hoped that Philemon(or Archippus) would free Onesimus. But we don't know whether the purpose was freedom to return to Paul, or freedom to engage in Christian ministry.
     Paul worded his letter carefully. It is almost the shortest book in the Bible. He reminds Philemon of their common heart in Christ. We might call it a guilt trip, but he reminded Philemon also that he, Paul, was in prison for the gospel He also points out that he had been the one to nurture the faith in Philemon/Archippus (probably both men first received the witness of the faith from Paul).
     Paul points out that Onesimus is a brother in Christ. He promises to repay any money Onesimus might have taken. He expresses a confidence that Philemon/Archippus will do the right thing.
     But Paul also grants to Philemon/Archippus the freedom he hopes will be granted to Onesimus: the freedom to choose.


How would you define Freedom?


How does responsibility and accountability play a part in the actions of people who are free?


How is freedom a part of faith?