Philemon Chapter One Vs: 1-3

"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Quoted from the New American Standard Translation Bible Phil 1:1-3)

Today, I will look at the first part of Philemon. This will be the first of a one week study on this book. I will greet this first part with the Salutation. Tomorrow will be based on Philemon's love and faith, and Thursday I will go into the plea for Onesimus, a free man... One may ask, "Why look at the salutation in the book? Why not break apart the other parts of the book?" Well, truth be told, I believe that God has a reason for every word that He put in His book. Something can be learned by every jot and tittle in God's word. First, I will look at verse one, and then verse two, and finally verse three. Upon this I will wrap it all up. This is very straight forward for an essay, but analyzing an introduction does not require very much build up and wording. I just want to learn what the words are saying with out adding or reaching to deep for a complex meaning. I also want to stay in context and let who so ever reads this to decide what they are going to think. Alright then, one down to earth examination starting with verse one coming up.

Verse one states, to Philemon, around the time of Paul's first imprisonment in Rome 62 A.D., that this is a letter written by Paul and from Timothy also. Notice that Paul takes his imprisonment as a way to glorify Jesus Christ who he is depending on to press on which is evident by the simple fact that he continues to write Epistles to those who are focusing on God. Paul, Timothy, and Philemon are also as close as brothers. They look at each other as coworkers too. Primarily this letter was written to Philemon. However, it is not just for Philemon because it is for others as well.

Included in verse two, more recipients intended to hear Paul's word, are Apphia (One they consider a close sister, Archippus (a fellow soldier), and the church (in Philemon's house). The interesting thing is that Philemon's close family in his house was considered a church or a familial temple. This is important because our houses should be a place for God. In the world, so many turn away God from their homes and establishments, so why should we not feel free to hold up God in our home and family. Whether you live in a shoe or the grand estate, God should be the centerpiece of your home, for your home will not last but God is forever and where your true home is to be. In the end, even the heavens and the earth will be new. Of course, after putting an address and intent of receipt on the letter, Paul starts with a peaceful and warm embrace to his words.

Paul says, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In that one statement, Paul blesses, proclaims Christ, and shows love. He blesses Philemon with warm embrace by trusting in God to bring him grace and peace in that order. Grace is continued freedom from sin which is God doing what we could never have done, and the peace is that which comes from trusting in Christ and living in God's grace. Paul proclaims that Christ is the Lord which is another word for God if you look up Old Testament words explaining God. He also puts God as their ultimate authority by showing Him as their Father. Finally, the entire statement is one of love that another Christian family member says to greet another Christian family member. It is an open proclamation of Jesus Christ and your love for your brother. What else needs to be said for these first verses?

I know this may seem over analytical and very straightforward, but God's word is like a fine wine. IT is best to be sipped and taken in so that each word can be savored and meditated on. To sum up everything: This epistle is written by Paul for the Philemon church (family/house). It was meant for them, but it has some importance for us too because God's word is valuable and does not expire. The letter was written out of love for those who read the words of it. It teaches an important lesson for us all from what I read prior and in this epistle. Tomorrow, I will look at verse 4-9. God bless and grace and peace to you from Jesus Christ Our Lord and God the Father.