Tag Archives: Paul

The Philemon Files: Co-Recipients

Philemon isn’t the only one to whom Paul’s is writing his letter. Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon’s house are also addressed as co-recipients of the letter. Paul calls Apphia “our sister” and Archippus “our fellow soldier” … Continue reading

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The Philemon Files: Co-Senders

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 … Continue reading

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The Philemon Files: From Paul

One of the fascinating aspects of the letter to Philemon is Paul’s pastoral finesse as he seeks to bring the two alienated parties together. It can be seen in the very first words of the letter where Paul identifies himself … Continue reading

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The Philemon Files: Introduction

At only 25 verses, the brevity of Paul’s letter to Philemon makes it stand out among the books of the New Testament. But the letter to Philemon also stands out because it has a real-life, flesh-and-blood dimension: the imprisoned apostle … Continue reading

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Why Saul Became Paul

“Then Saul, who was also called Paul . . .” (Acts 13:9). The writer of Acts doesn’t offer an explanation for why Saul started using the Greek form of his name, but one reason, according to church historian Jonathan Hill, … Continue reading

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