DISCUSSION ABOUT FILEMON LETTER - SCRIBE VALDEMIR IN HARVARD UNIVERSITY ON-LINE

DISCUSSION ABOUT FILEMON LETTER - SCRIBE VALDEMIR IN HARVARD UNIVERSITY ON-LINE

EdinburghPixie
about 3 hours ago
Good evening. My interpretation is that Paul is writing first and foremost to Philomen, and also secondarily to Apphia & Archippus. What stands out for me in this letter is that despite being imprisoned, Paul is cheerful in the Lord. He writes many things to this effect, but also highlights that it is others in the body of Christ - the broader 'church' and those with Philomen from whom he receives joy & encouragement.
I think of those falsely imprisoned and those who cannot see their children, or political prisoners, as is the case with Paul. I imagine due to his age Onesimus could have stayed with his Father, Paul, as many countries allow young children until the age of 18 months to remain with their mothers in prison even today. However, Paul sent him, as a symbol of his love to the church with Philomen. It is, however, intruguing, that he is asking for forgiveness in advance on Onesimus' behalf - foreshadowing some wrongdoing perhaps?
Finally, in verse 22, we see the strength of Paul's faith - he does not doubt that God's power will see him freed in due course, as he writes: "One thing more—prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you".
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I had the same initial thoughts about Paul's imprisonment but have changed. I don't think Paul was imprisoned by the Romans in confinement but that Paul was imprisoned spiritually in strict obedience to the will of God and the teachings of Jesus, free to travel to spread the gospel message. Also, in my humble opinion and considering the time and circumstances, usage of the word "son" does not have a biological meaning in this text. I believe it's more in line with the Roman Catholic tradition of fellowship within that religious institution - as in a priest calling a junior person, unrelated, "my son". I'm not sure what v22 means so I can't offer anything on that.
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–posted about 3 hours ago by ChunkyMouse

Hello ChunkyMouse ,
Allow me to disagree with your opinion with the same kindness that Paul interceded for Onesimus with Philemon . The historical context of this letter with Acts shows that Paul was literally stuck in confinement . Paul was imprisoned in the period that he wrote this letter . Regarding verse 10 it is clear that the apostle refers to Onesimus as his son in the faith because Paul would not like it generates in prison and as quickly Onesimus has become an adult . The context shows that Onesimus had a history before meeting Paul was a fugitive slave to his master , Philemon . Therefore the term " child " means someone who has become a disciple who accepted the faith through the preaching of Paul.
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–posted 6 minutes ago by SCRIBEVALDEMIR