Who was Philemon in the Bible?

TL;DR:

Philemon was asked by Paul to welcome back his runaway slave Onesimus as a beloved brother in Christ. Philemon’s call to forgiveness and reconciliation challenges us to allow the gospel to transform relationships.

what does the bible say?

Philemon, a wealthy believer led to faith by Paul, hosted a first-century church in his home and was known for his faith and love for others. He owned a slave, Onesimus, who ran away and became a Christian after meeting Paul. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. This letter demonstrates how the gospel transforms relationships, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation among believers. It challenges us today to practice forgiveness and reconciliation, viewing each person with grace and compassion, as Paul encouraged Philemon to do.

from the old testament

Philemon is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Philemon was a wealthy believer who hosted a first-century church, likely of Colossae, in his home (Philemon 1:2).
Philemon had been led to faith by the apostle Paul (Philemon 1:19).
Philemon was known for his faith in Christ and his love for others (Philemon 1:5). "The hearts of the saints [had] been refreshed through [him]" (Philemon 1:7).
Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus who had run away. His slave met the apostle Paul and became a Christian. Paul composed a personal letter to Philemon, which appears in Scripture as the book of Philemon. In this letter, Paul promises to repay any debt that Onesimus owes (Philemon 1:18–19). In the letter, "old man" Paul (Philemon 1:9) appeals to Philemon rather than commands him to receive Onesimus back "no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother… in the Lord" (Philemon 1:16).
Paul models in his letter how the gospel changes the relationships between believers so that power is no longer lorded teacher over disciple, elder over younger, nor free citizen over slave, but rather how every believer is a fellow brother or sister to be treated graciously. Knowing Philemon's understanding of the gospel, his hospitality, and his love "for all the saints," Paul was confident Philemon would welcome back Onesimus (Philemon 1:5). He stated, "Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say" (Philemon 1:21).

implications for today

The life of Philemon teaches us the importance of practicing forgiveness and reconciliation within the Christian community. Philemon is a wealthy believer who, despite his status and the societal norms of his time, is asked by Paul to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This illustrates the transformative power of the gospel in breaking down social barriers and fostering deep, authentic relationships grounded in love and mutual respect.

For us today, this means that our faith in Christ should lead us to forgive others and seek reconciliation, even when it is difficult or goes against societal expectations. Romans 12:18 calls us to “if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” We are called to see each person as a fellow believer, deserving of grace and compassion. This can challenge us to examine our relationships and ask ourselves if there are any broken or strained ones where we need to extend forgiveness and seek reconciliation, reflecting the love and unity that Paul encouraged Philemon to demonstrate.

understand

Philemon was a wealthy believer known for his faith in Christ, love for others, and hospitality, hosting a church in his home.
Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus, became a Christian after meeting Paul. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Paul's letter to Philemon exemplifies how the gospel transforms relationships, emphasizing that all believers are equal and should be treated with grace and compassion, regardless of social status.

reflect

How does Philemon's hospitality challenge or encourage you in your hospitality?
How does Paul's letter to Philemon challenge or encourage your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation in your own relationships?
In what ways can you emulate Philemon's character traits of faith, love, and hospitality in your own life and interactions with others?

engage

Because this personal letter is included in Scripture, it is generally assumed that Philemon did indeed forgive Onesimus his debt and welcome him as a fellow brother in Christ. In this way, Philemon reflected the gracious attitude Paul modeled in this letter.
While Philemon owned a slave, that does not mean that the Bible condones slavery. Slavery and servitude were different and common in that society and different than modern day slavery. Even if Philemon had a slave or indentured servant, the Bible was clear on how he was to treat him.
How you help create a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation within your church or community, following the example set by Philemon and Paul's letter?