Although his name is often overlooked, the co-sender of the letter to Philemon is identified as Timothy. Timothy was well-known and respected in Colossae where Philemon lived; he is also named as the co-author of Colossians (Col. 1:1). Although he is identified only as a “brother” in this letter (Phm 1), Timothy’s name adds authority to whatever request Paul might make in the letter.
Not only is Timothy’s presence frequently overlooked, but also overlooked is the presence of “God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” that the letter invokes (Phm. 3). The mention of God the Father and Jesus Christ is more than a simple formality in the opening and closing of the letter (Phm. 25). For Paul, they are always a real presence and he wants Philemon and the entire church that meets at his house to be reminded of it.
Besides Philemon, who are the other recipient(s) of this letter?
Related Posts:
The Philemon Files: Introduction
The Philemon Files: From Paul
