Today we start a new book, the short book of Philemon. This book is an epistle, or form of a letter common to the time, yet adapted also to convey theological thought. An epistle starts with the “From,” in this case Paul (most likely while imprisoned in Caesarea Philippi) and Timothy. Then, the “To,” Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, with the main person being the first mentioned – Philemon. Philemon we learn was a church leader, most likely in Colosse, who led a house church. Apphia most likely was his wife, and Archippus probably their son.
The next section is the greeting (verse 3). Normally the Greeks would simply state “Kairos,” or “Greetings.” The Jews would state “shalom” or “peace.” Paul combines the two and changes the first to “Karos” or “Grace.” The normal greeting becomes a very Christian greeting of “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul then follows this greeting with a statement of thanksgiving to God for the work and strength of Philemon and his household.
What’s unique about this letter is that it is more personal in nature than all the others. Most of the others were written to churches, not individuals. The two to Timothy and one to Titus were also to individuals, but focused not on a personal issue (which we will see tomorrow) but on pastoral issues. In Philemon we will see Paul’s care not only for the church but also for the individual.