The Letter to Philemon (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

 The Academy of Parish Clergy’s 2018 Top Five Reference Books for Parish Ministry

Paul's letter to Philemon carries a strong message of breaking down social barriers and establishing new realities of conduct and fellowship. It is also a disturbing text that has been used to justify slavery. Though brief, Philemon requires close scrutiny.

In this commentary Scot McKnight offers careful textual analysis of Philemon and brings the practice of modern slavery into conversation with the ancient text. Too often, McKnight says, studies of this short letter gloss over the issue of slavery—an issue that must be recognized and dealt with if Christians are to read Philemon faithfully. Pastors and scholars will find in this volume the insight they need to preach and teach this controversial book in meaningful new ways.

• The Letter to the Colossians (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT))
• The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World
• Roman House Churches for Today: A Practical Guide for Small Groups
• 1 Peter (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
• The Letter to the Galatians (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT))
• The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction
• The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
• The Letters to Timothy and Titus (NEW INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT)
• Colossians and Philemon (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (IVP Numbered))
• The Epistle to the Hebrews (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT))