Philippians and Philemon

Although relatively brief, Philippians is one of the most interesting and beloved of Paul's undisputed epistles. In Philippians and Philemon, Thurston makes a convincing case that canonical Philippians is as Paul wrote it, one letter, suggesting a range of possibilities for whom it is that Paul is confronting. She makes the case that there is not enough specific evidence to "name names." Thurston uses a methodological approach and provides a literal translation of Philippians. The apostle's brief correspondence to Philemon stands solidly within the Pauline collection of authentic and canonical letters. In Philippians and Philemon, Ryan argues that Philemon has both specific and dual goals. The first is an appeal that seeks to elicit Philemon's partnership and his community's support in welcoming Onesimus back as both beloved brother and honored guest. The second relates to Paul's request that Onesimus continue to use the freedom he already has to serve Christ and his gospel. In this commentary Ryan provides a fresh translation, critical notes for each verse, and interpretation on defined sections. She situates the letter in the historical context of slavery in the ancient world and looks at how Paul combined his theology with contemporary rhetorical strategies to write convincingly.