¹Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, ²and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: ³Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whether Paul had studied rhetoric in his educational background as a Roman citizen (combined with his Jewish studies in the Law), we don’t know for sure. But the careful reader will discover this to be a masterpiece of persuasion. The only way Philemon could say no would be to disavow every implication of his spiritual conversion and transformed life. He would need to assume the role of a Christian version of a Pharisee, one who knows the truth but does not embody the spirit of the truth.

Paul begins modestly by not writing with the authoritative tone of an apostle of God (which he had every right to do), but rather emphasizing his current state as a prisoner, one without rights. Philemon was not stupid and would have been aware of this approach, which should be his own approach in reconciling with his returning runaway slave. Paul is building his appeal slowly and carefully. Next, Paul addresses him as “beloved brother and fellow worker,” not in a condescending sort of way, but as a genuine sentiment of their working together for the common purpose, namely, of serving the Lord.

The “prisoner of Christ Jesus” includes “Timothy our brother,” who was either in prison with Paul or visiting him there when Paul wrote this letter. The tone is one of partnership, in which Philemon, who is called “our beloved brother,” is put on the same level as Tychicus (Col. 4:7) and also the runaway slave, Onesimus, whom Paul also calls “a faithful beloved brother” (Col. 4:9, see also Philem. 1:16).

The letter is not meant only for Philemon’s personal use but is intended to be read by Apphia and Archippus, who seem to be recognized as significant individuals. Also, the home church hosted by Philemon was to have this letter read there as well. Paul is laying the foundation for his appeal by setting the context of peer pressure for Philemon to “do what is proper” (Philem. 1:8).

Finally, by way of introduction, Paul gives his signature greeting, the desire for Philemon and the other readers of this letter to know and experience the grace and peace that comes from the One they serve, expressed as “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This letter carries the same weight for us as all of Paul’s other letters. Its subject matter may be practical application, but it arises out of an understanding of the character and nature of God Himself.

Lord, as I study this letter, convict me of those with whom I need reconciliation.