Who Wrote Philemon?
Quick Summary
The Letter to Philemon is widely regarded as one of the most securely attributed writings of the apostle Paul. The letter explicitly names Paul as its author, reflects his personal circumstances during imprisonment, and fits seamlessly within the historical network of people and places known from Paul’s undisputed letters. Internal evidence, early church testimony, and modern scholarship are in near-unanimous agreement regarding Pauline authorship.
Introduction
Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters but one of the most revealing. Written to a Christian household leader, the letter addresses a deeply personal and socially complex situation involving Onesimus, an enslaved man who has become a believer. Rather than offering abstract theology, Philemon presents theology lived out in relationship.
Because of its personal tone, specific historical references, and lack of later ecclesial development, Philemon has rarely been questioned in discussions of New Testament authorship. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding Paul’s ministry, ethics, and theology in practice.
(Collins, Introduction to the New Testament, pp. 343–345)
Internal Evidence from the Letter
Philemon opens with a clear self-identification: “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother” (Philemon 1). The author describes himself as imprisoned, a circumstance consistent with several of Paul’s undisputed letters.
(Moo, The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, pp. 367–369)
The letter assumes an established relationship between Paul, Philemon, and the Christian community that meets in Philemon’s house (Philemon 2). Paul writes with familiarity, affection, and moral authority that would be difficult to replicate convincingly in a pseudonymous work.
(Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle, pp. 695–697)
Paul refers to Onesimus as his “child,” whom he has come to know during imprisonment (Philemon 10). He appeals not through command but through love, a rhetorical strategy consistent with Paul’s broader pastoral approach.
(Moo, Colossians and Philemon, pp. 385–388)
Relationship to Colossians
Philemon is closely linked to Colossians. Both letters mention Onesimus and Tychicus and appear to have been delivered together (Colossians 4:7–9; Philemon 12). This close connection strengthens the case for Pauline authorship, as Colossians itself presents strong internal and historical ties to Paul.
The shared network of coworkers, including Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, situates Philemon firmly within Paul’s missionary circle.
(Moo, Colossians and Philemon, pp. 371–374)
Early Church Testimony
Early Christian writers consistently attributed Philemon to Paul.
The letter appears in the Muratorian Fragment as part of the Pauline corpus, reflecting its acceptance as apostolic Scripture in the second century.
(Muratorian Fragment, lines 59–63)
Origen refers to Philemon as written by Paul and treats it as authoritative instruction addressing Christian ethics and reconciliation.
(Origen, Commentary on Romans, Preface)
Eusebius includes Philemon among Paul’s universally recognized letters, noting no dispute regarding its authorship.
(Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3.3.5)
Modern Scholarly Consensus
Modern scholarship overwhelmingly affirms Pauline authorship of Philemon. Because of its personal nature, historical specificity, and close connection to Colossians, Philemon is almost universally classified as one of Paul’s undisputed letters.
Douglas Moo emphasizes that the letter’s rhetorical subtlety and relational depth are best explained by authentic authorship rather than imitation.
(Moo, Colossians and Philemon, pp. 360–365)
James D. G. Dunn similarly argues that Philemon offers one of the clearest windows into Paul’s lived theology, making pseudonymous authorship historically implausible.
(Dunn, The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon, pp. 19–22)
Inspiration and Christian Ethics
Philemon illustrates how inspiration operates within ordinary human relationships. The letter does not issue commands about social structures but invites transformation through love, reconciliation, and mutual recognition in Christ.
The church’s recognition of Philemon as Scripture reflects its coherence with the apostolic gospel and its capacity to shape Christian ethics across generations.
(Wright, Paul and the Faithfulness of God, pp. 548–552)
Conclusion
Philemon explicitly identifies Paul as its author, reflects his personal circumstances, and was received as Pauline from the earliest generations of the church. Internal evidence, early church testimony, and modern scholarship converge with remarkable consistency.
As one of the most personal documents in the New Testament, Philemon stands as a powerful witness to the apostle Paul’s theology embodied in relationship, reconciliation, and grace.
FAQ
Who wrote Philemon?
Philemon was written by the apostle Paul, with Timothy named as a co-worker.
Why is Philemon important?
The letter offers a concrete example of how Christian faith reshapes relationships and ethical responsibility.
