Harris, Stephen. “Chapter 17 Letters from Prison: Philippians and Philemon.” The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction. New York: McGraw Hill. 2006. 347-357.

The structure of this chapter is most like an outline. It takes each aspect of both letters and breaks them down part by part to give a clear understanding of both letters. First there is a brief explanation of the debate surrounding the actual origin of his letters. Then there is a break down of the Letter to Philippians, then the Letter to Philemon. Last, the author points out and describe the influences Paul’s letters have had.

The key idea of this chapter is to reveal to the reader Paul’s reasons for writing his letters. Paul’s authenticity as an apostle is at first questioned but later revered, he is known as the man to bring Jesus to light. “Second only to Jesus in his lasting influence on Christendom, he is the prism through which Jesus’ image is mostly commonly viewed” (356). Harris also describes Paul as “Christianity’s firs theologian” (354), also emphasizing the importance of Paul’s contributions through his letters.

Key Terms:

Philemon - A citizen of Colossae and a good friend to Paul. Philemon is also the receiver of the only surviving personal letter from Paul.

Onesimus - Philemon’s slave who fled after stealing money from him, he was also converted to Christianity, maybe even by Paul himself.

Philippi - city where the letters were sent (Philippians)

Timothy – established a church in the first tour of Greece with Paul

Christology – theological interpretations of the nature and function of Jesus

Epaphroditus – a Macedonian Christian from Philippi who assisted Paul while he was imprisoned

There is a very good use of maps, page 348, helps the reader see the likelihood that Paul was in Rome and that he had letters delivered to Philippi and Philemon. The map also shows how unlikely it is that Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians and the Colossians. Featured on page 354, another map points out the churches developed around the time of Paul, and those that Paul developed himself. Illustrations of Paul in prison, page 349, also give the reader a good idea of what Paul may have been like. Paul is depicted as an elderly man, quiet, calm and contemplative much like the letters he wrote suggest. Direct quotations from the letters are used to show that the analysis of the scripture is very reliable, so the reader can refer to the passage.

I found that the map really aided in seeing how reliable the letters are. It also helped me in particular to see that the authenticity of the letters have been questioned over and over. The fact that the maps are images rather than just words on the page also helped to see what Paul did or did not accomplish.

I feel that the most important concepts to consider are the ideas of equality and selflessness that Paul supported. In the section “The Hymn to Christ” (350), in this section we see scripture that supports Paul’s insistence that citizens begin consider others before they consider themselves. Paul refers to Jesus as a prime example of the model for life. He also compares Adam to Jesus. Adam defies God then is cast out from eternity, where Jesus embraces God and submits to him as a servant and after his death he joins God as his Son.

Now, although Paul stresses equality and selflessness in regards to his fellow man, there is some question regarding slavery. Paul’s actions, when he returns Onesimus to Philemon, would suggest that he supports slavery. But it is very important to consider the letter that he writes to Philemon. In Philemon 1: 7-12, we see Paul plead with Philemon to treat Onesimus just as he would treat Paul, as a dear friend. This along with “The hymn to Christ” shows how dedicated Paul was to his mission. He was intent on getting people to make good right choices so that along with their faith they could be on their path to God.

Some parts of the chapter state clearly that Paul was under house arrest. I was unsure as to whether he was in a cell or in his own or someone else’s home. Now although the title of the chapter should tell you right away that Paul was indeed in prison the chapter does use the words house arrest, simple but confused me nonetheless.

I also think the author did a very good job of deciphering the scripture quoted. He considers the literal meanings as well as the symbolic. Since these were letters it is not likely that the text was meant to be considered metaphorically but literally. Paul was also friendly with the two receivers of the letters so he knew that he needed no fancy language to convince them because they did not need convincing.

Three Important Topics:

- Referring to Jesus as a model for behavior

- Equality among all man

- Paul created the first theology about Jesus