LIBERTY, SACRIFICE AND SANCTITY

SAINT PAUL'S LETTERS TO PHILEMON AND THE PHILIPPIANS - PART I

I. St. Paul's letters to Philemon and the Philippians are, with the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians, called his "captivity letters." But with Philippians and Philemon, there is a more personal tone of friendship, persuasion, and voluntary generosity.

A. Like the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians, these letters refer to St. Paul's imprisonment with a sense of calmness and union with Christ. They have, however, as more personal tone to them, emphasizing the friendship between St. Paul and the recipients.

B. Both letters refer to a captivity, which could have been in Rome, Ephesus, or Corinth.

II. The letter to the Philippians was an extension of thanks and encouragement to the first European community that St. Paul had evangelized.

III. The letter to Philemon is a brief, personal appeal to generosity and the recognition of a runaway slave as a fellow brother in Christ.

B. The letter calls for a courageous sacrifice on the part of all involved.