Book contents
- Colossians and Philemon
- New Cambridge Bible Commentary
- Colossians and Philemon
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- IIntroduction to Colossians
- IICommentary on Colossians
- IIIIntroduction to Philemon
- IVCommentary on Philemon
- Select Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Scripture Index
- Index of Ancient Texts
III - Introduction to Philemon
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2026
Book contents
- Colossians and Philemon
- New Cambridge Bible Commentary
- Colossians and Philemon
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- IIntroduction to Colossians
- IICommentary on Colossians
- IIIIntroduction to Philemon
- IVCommentary on Philemon
- Select Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Scripture Index
- Index of Ancient Texts
Summary
Philemon is the shortest and most personal letter we possess from Paul. The only NT comparison is 3 John, which is similarly addressed – both are personal, private, and short. At 335 words, Philemon is longer than most personal letters from antiquity but is the shortest letter in the NT. When we remember that Paul commonly wrote long public letters we should not be surprised at its length. The Pastoral Epistles are also brief as well as personal. Yet they are discussing matters of church-wide interest that make it certain that they were intended not just for Timothy and Titus but for a public audience.
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- Colossians and Philemon , pp. 237 - 255Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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