Philemon According to the Three Essay

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Indeed, another way of reading the bible is according to the Historical World. Here, our primary text discusses the hints and allusions littering the whole of the bible with regard to the world in which its events are said to have taken place. As our course material tells, we have the opportunity to "probe the text itself for evidence that links it to the historical times, places, situations, and persons." (4) This is sometimes a simple proposition as in cases where cities are noted or even when specific dates are cited. Other elements which are less immediate such as the mention of animals, fruits, military conflicts and other such clues can also help the educated individual to draw conclusions on geography or chronology.

In the case of Philemon, we are required to use such subtle clues in order to resolve the presence of some historical information. In this case, while it may not be possible to pinpoint an exact date, the biography of its author, Paul of Tarsis, may be the best secondary source. Paul provides us some modest clues. In his address of Philemon, he refers to himself as "your friend Paul, an old man, now in prison for the sake of Christ Jesus." (Philemon, 1) Here, we are able to deduce that Paul is of an advanced age and incarcerated. If we are able to collect information on where Paul experienced such incarceration along with Onesimus, than we might be able to deduce both when and from where the letter originated.

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This is made possible by the Bible's connection, either consciously or unconsciously, to its time and place.

Of course, its importance is also to be found in its connection to our everyday lives. This is the reading of the Contemporary World, which inclines us to understand the Bible as possessing some direct value to the way we negotiate and interpret modern life. As the text states it, "we are all interested in answering the question of whether the Bible in general, or particular texts, have any relevance to our personal lives." (4) This relevance is perhaps the clearest level of importance in Philemon, where the entreaty from Paul to Philemon is expressed with a sense ethical certainty. As Paul phrases his request in reference to Onesimus, "if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me." (Philemon, 17) This is a message that resonates today, expressing the premise that we are all brothers in Christ and that all men are deserving of generosity, hospitality and kindness. Quite indeed, this is a statement which is no less important today.

Philemon is a brief but profound statement on the responsibility to love thy brother which is couched in the type of literary flourish and historical insight….....

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