Paul's letter to his friend and fellow Christian Philemon has long inspired debate concerning the apostle's view of slavery. Was he asking that Onesimus be freed or pleading for lenience? In this commentary, Fitzmyer explores the social, political, and economic realities behind the epistle and asks what relevance it has for the church today. Insightful, challenging, and thorough! 138 pages, hardcover from Random House.

The apostle Paul's letter to his friend and fellow Christian Philemon, which focuses on the question of slavery, has long inspired debate. Onesimus, one of Philemon's slaves and a Christian himself, has left his master's house and sought refuge with Paul. In a letter to Philemon, Paul assures his friend that he is sending Onesimus back into captivity, but pleads for mercy on the slave's behalf, asking Philemon to treat him as a beloved brother and as he would treat the apostle.

Examining Paul's letter within the context of the social, political, and economic realities of the times, Fitzmyer sheds light on the question of whether Paul was suggesting that Onesimus be granted freedom from slavery or whether he was simply advocating a lenient treatment of this particular slave. His insights not only clarify Paul's position but show why the letter is relevant in the Church today.

The apostle Paul's letter to his friend and fellow Christian Philemon, which focuses on the question of slavery, has long been debated. Onesimus, one of Philemon's slaves, has left his master's house and sought refuge with Paul, during which time he has converted to Christianity. In a letter to Philemon, Paul assures his friend that he is sending Onesimus back, but pleads for mercy on the slave's behalf, asking Philemon to treat him as a beloved brother and as he would treat the apostle himself. Examining Paul's letter within the context of the social, political and economic realities of the time, Fitzmyer sheds light on the question of whether Paul was suggesting that Onesimus be granted freedom from slavery or whether he was simply advocating a lenient treatment of Onesimus. His insights not only clarify Paul's position, but show why the letter is relevant in the Church today. Like his magisterial Anchor Bible commentaries on Romans, Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, Fitzmyer's commentary on the Letter to Philemon represents the finest of modern biblical scholarship.

Joseph A. Fitzmyer is a Jesuit priest and professor emeritus, Biblical Studies, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. He has edited and published numerous books on the New Testament, ancient Aramaic, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, and he has served as president of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Catholic Biblical Association, and the Society for New Testament Study. He lives in Washington, DC.

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