Page 102 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 11: Prison Epistles

11. 1 Connect

As we pass through the 13th letter of Paul’s epistles, according to Bible order, I would like you
to think in sense of risk taking. Are you a risk taker? Have all the risks you have taken worked
to your advantage? Chances are that some went well, and some must have landed you in
trouble. See, that’s what risks are about. They put us in a fifty-fifty situation. Therefore, taking
a risk means gathering courage, confidence, and trust that it shall be well no matter the
outcome. This letter to Philemon is about risk taking. Onesimus takes a risk in returning to Philemon.
According to Roman law, an owner could severely punish and even execute a runaway slave. Paul shares
in this risk, as he could have been punished for harboring a runaway slave. Likewise, Paul’s friend
Tychicus shares in this risk when he returns with Onesimus. However, Paul did all this for the sake of the
gospel. Let me invite you to observe how and why Paul went about taking a short at risk. Let’s begin….

11.2 Objectives

1. The student shall be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the authors of Philemon

2. The student shall be able to locate when and where the books were written.

3. The student shall be able to name the recipients of the books.

4. The student shall be able to describe the occasions under which the books were written.

5. The student shall be able to describe the themes and purposes of the books.
6. The student shall be able to explain the structures and outlines of the books.

7. The student shall be able to demonstrate mastery of the atmospheres at the time of the writing of the
books.

8. The student shall be able to name the key passages in the books.
9. The student shall be able to recite the key words in the books.

11.3 Philemon: A Call to Equality

This completes the four prison epistles of Paul. While Paul was in prison, likely in Rome, he met
a rebel slave named Onesimus and shared the gospel with him. Onesimus to becomes a Christian
though that ministry and a helpful friend to Paul. Paul writes this letter to persuade Onesimus’
master, Philemon to treat Onesimus, who is now boldly returning to Philemon, humanely and
consider setting him free.

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