Bible Dictionary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bible Dictionary - Essay Example The key themes that the letter embraces is the criticism of following the Jewish law, significance of faith that unites both Gentiles and Jews, the need to keep strong in faith as it is the only way to salvation. One would make not mistake suggesting that the purpose of the letter is to make a clear distinction between Christianity as a new religious tradition and Judaism or Judeo-Christianity that was popular at the time. In addition to that, the epistle in question shares some details about the past of Paul: he talks about his conversion, the acquaintance with Peter, his apostolic mission. Other then Peter, the author also mentions some other Christian communities in Europe as well as other nations that he encountered during his journey. Philemon was one of the early Christians who dwelled in Asia Minor. He was born in the first decade of the first century of Common Era and died when he was sixty eight. There are no detailed dates of his life. It is thought that Philemon was born in the city of Colossae. When Paul the Apostle was on his mission Philemon was able to meet the saint and the latter converted him into Christianity. One should note that Philemon was a rather wealthy Christian which allowed him to give shelter other Christians. That is why the latter were always welcome in his house which served as a church too. However, in the end of his life he and his wife Apphia were killed by the Gentiles which made them glorious martyrs. Being a hospitable Christian, Philemon was able to meet not only Paul the Apostle, but also other less known Christians. In addition to that, it was not only his wife, but also Archippus and Onesimus who were killed by the Gentiles. That is why all these four individuals are thought be martyrs as they suffered a horrible death for Jesus Christ. Speaking of the legacy, one should note that Philemon was a prominent Christian, as Paul the Apostle