The Narrow Path Ministries

Were the Epistles of Colossians & Philemon sent together?

I'm just trying to get a good feel for the chronology of NT writings.

It seems Philemon was a wealthy member of the church of Colosse. Paul told Philemon that he was sending Onesimus back to him. In Colossians 4:9, it is said that Onesimus was one of the 2 people delivering the Epistle to the Colossians to the church.

I had never thought of it this before. But it's kind of neat to think about Onesimus carrying the Epistle to Philemon all the way from Rome to his 'master' in Colosse

Hey brother,

I understand them to have been sent together.

The letter, while being sent to Philemon, was also "to our beloved Apphia and <B>Archippus</b>... and to the church in thy (Philemon's, I think) house. " (vs.2)

Archippus is a minister of some sort in Colosse (Col. 4:17).

Ephapras who is said to be "one of you" in Col. 4:12 sends his salutations to Philemon and co. in Phil. vs23. (see also Col. 1:7).

These verses, along with the one you cited have led me to believe that they were sent together to Colosse.

Hopefully that helps a little!

God bless,
Derek