Page 104 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Structure

This is also another letter which is typical Paulin. Philemon begins with a greeting (1–3) and a
thanksgiving section (4–7). The body of the letter (8–22) consists of Paul’s appeal on behalf of Onesimus.
Paul concludes with greetings from his fellow ministry workers and a benediction (23–25).

Outline
• Greeting (1–3)
• Thanksgiving (4–7)
• Appeal on behalf of Onesimus (8–22)
• Conclusion (23–25)

How does Philemon Impact our lives?
Philemon 1:8 – 9 – These verses show us that we sometimes need to lay down the exercise of our rights
for the sake of love and the gospel. What rights have you laid aside for the sake of love and the gospel?
How does that affect your life as a Christian?

Philemon 1:21 – There is no doubt that Paul used a persuasive speech in this letter. However, there is no
doubt again that whatever he said about Philemon was true. Watch the confidence he expressed when
he said “I know that you will even do more than I ask.” This is the joy of Christian relationships.

Are there any Christ followers that you personally know who are at odds with each other? Is there
anything that you could do to help them reconcile?
In most of the world there are groups of people severely restricted by economic and social barriers in
ways that strongly resemble slavery. There are also people actually enslaved. How can you help them find
freedom?

Philemon had a difficult choice to make: He had been wronged by someone he had power over but
apparently had come to believe in the radical faith of Jesus. A spiritual leader in Philemon’s life (Paul) was
strongly urging him to forgive the man who had wronged him. Do you have anyone who has wronged you
to whom you can extend forgiveness? What would that look like?
Onesimus had a difficult choice to make. He had abandoned his obligations to someone who had legal
power over him (Philemon). Now, a spiritual leader in Onesimus’ life (Paul) has sent him back to the man
who might prosecute him. Do you have any outstanding obligations that you need to address? How can
you address them?

Highlights: key passages

• Paul is thankful and encouraging to his friend Philemon (4-7)
• Paul’s relationship with Philemon on the basis authority and love (8-9)
• Paul mentions Onesimus for the first time and calls him “my son” (10)
• Paul describes how “useful” Onesimus is and would like to keep him (11-13).
• Paul identifies Onesimus as Philemon’s property and a useful slave but also as a man and a
brother in the Lord (14-16).

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