A Christological Reflection on Reconciliation in the Epistle to Philemon
Isaac Boaheng 
& Samuel Boahen
Issue: Vol. 12 No.4 2026 Issue Article 1 pp. 129 – 140
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202612341 Published online 20th May 2026.
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study investigated reconciliation in Paul’s Epistle to Philemon from a Christological perspective to uncover theological principles that guide the restoration of broken relationships. The discussion highlighted Paul’s appeal for forgiveness and unity between Philemon and Onesimus as a model of reconciliation that is relational and theological. Insights were drawn from African cultural traditions, Pauline approaches, and Christological reflection, with practical implications for ministry. The study recommends that Christian communities adopt biblically grounded forgiveness and restoration to address conflicts. In conclusion, reconciliation in Philemon, viewed through Christology, offers enduring lessons for fostering unity in both human-to-human and human-to-divine relationships. The research contributes to scholarship by bridging biblical exegesis with practical conflict resolution, enriching Pauline theology while offering applicable insights for ministry and community life.
Keywords: Paul, Philemon, Reconciliation, Christology, Conflict Resolution
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Samuel Boahen (MA) is a PhD candidate at the All-Nations University, Koforidua (Ghana). He holds a Master of Arts in Ministry (Trinity Theological Seminary-Legon, Accra), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry in Management (Christian Service University-Kumasi), Post Graduate Certificate in Theology (Christian Service University-Kumasi), Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Valley View University-Techiman Campus) and BSc. Agricultural Engineering (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi). Boahen’s research interests lie in African Christian Theology, Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology and Missiology. Boahen has co-authored two academic articles in renowned journals and presented papers at various conferences. He is a Reverend Minister of the Methodist Church, Ghana-Sunyani Diocese.
Isaac Boaheng (PhD) holds doctorates from the University of the Free State and the University of Pretoria, both in South Africa. He lectures at Christian Service University and has published over a hundred articles in international journals. His research interests are in theology, Biblical studies, and Translation studies.
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© 2026 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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