New Testament Bible Dictionary Project

Bibl 104

March 17, 2015

New Testament Bible Dictionary Project

Philemon

The book of Philemon was written as an epistle, a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his dear friend Philemon. The letter was written to Philemon while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Paul wrote the letter requesting the release of Onesimus, a slave that was owned by Philemon. The Holman Bible Dictionary notes that Paul’s letter to Philemon was the only private and personal letter that is included in the New Testament, and was written in A.D. 61. The theme of the letter is to ask Philemon to open his heart and forgive his former slave Onesimus for his crimes. Although Paul had the apostolic authority to make such a request, the letter was written as a request between a “dear friend and co-worker” (Philippians 1:1). Paul wrote the letter with the purpose of reminding Philemon of his obligations as a loving Christian. Indeed, this was a serious request because Philemon had every legal right to punish or kill Onesimus for robbing him and escaping. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon, believing Philemon’s Christian charity and love would allow him to forgive Onesimus. Paul asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus and treat him as a brother, not as a slave (Philippians 1:16). Furthermore, Paul offered to pay for any financial losses Philemon suffered when Onesimus stole from him and ran away. According to Holman’s Bible Dictionary, Paul’s approach paved the path that would eventually lead to the end of slavery. The main personalities are Paul, Onesimus and Philemon.

Stephen

According to Smith's Bible Dictionary, Stephen is a companion in race and birthplace to the Hellenistic Jews of North Africa, Alexandria and Asia Minor. He is first mentioned in the book of Acts 6:3 as part of a group of seven honest, Christian men chosen to distribute daily meals to widows. Stephen was appointed to rectify the complaints in the early Church of Jerusalem made by the Hellenistic Jews...