Philemon
Introduction to Philemon
It is important to study God’s Word, the Bible. It is important to memorize verses and to think upon His Word. The Word of God never changes, even though we live in a world of constant change. Our friends and families change. Circumstances change. Our thoughts and attitudes change. And all around us we experience change every day. But the Word of God remains the same, and is sure and steadfast. We can always depend upon His Word. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” and in I Peter 1:23, we read that the Word of God lives and abides forever. In uncertain and changing times, we can always depend upon His Holy Word to give us comfort, strength, grace and power for each moment of our lives, regardless of our situations or our circumstances. The Word of God also helps newborn babies in Christ to grow spiritually. In I Peter 2:2 we read, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” We, as believers in Christ, are commanded in God’s Word to grow spiritually. II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Word of God has always existed and will always exist. In John 1:1-2 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” Read the following verses from the Bible: Psalm 119: 2, 9, 11, 28, 50, 67, 71, 74, 92, 114, 130, 147, 148, 162 and 165. As you begin these study courses of God’s Word, please begin them with this thought and prayer found in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” And in Psalm 119:105 we read: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This tells us how to stand with God and how to go with God.
PHILEMON KEY VERSE: PHILEMON 18 – “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account.”
KEY WORD: PROFITABLE – Found one time (Onesimus means profitable).
THEME: Paul intercedes with Philemon for Onesimus, a runaway slave.
DATE: 62 A.D.
WRITER: The Apostle Paul (v. 1, 19).
WRITTEN: To: Philemon- A wealthy Greek Christian. Land and slave owner at Colosse (Philemon 1, 2, 10; Colossians 4:9). From: Rome – During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (House Arrest: Acts 28:16,30).
THE BOOK: Number in Bible – 57th Book in Bible – Number of Chapters – 1. Number of Verses – 25. Number in Order of Writing – 18th in New Testament.
PURPOSE: Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, probably stole from his master and ran away. In his travels, he met Paul in Rome who converted him to Christ. Paul then sent him back to Philemon with Tychicus carrying this letter, in which he was pleading and interceding for Onesimus.
DIVISIONS: 1) Runaway Slave (Like Adam or the Prodigal). 2) Regenerated Son. 3) Reliable Servant. 4) Respected Brother.
OUTLINE:
- Paul Presents His Greeting (v. 1-3) –
“Grace and Peace” (Shalom) (v, 3).
- Paul Praised Philemon (v. 4-8) –
“Thank God for You” (v. 4). III. Paul Pleads For Onesimus (v. 9-17) – “I Beseech Thee” (v. 10).
- Paul’s Personal Request (v. 23-25) –
“Salute” (v. 23).
MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Wealthy land owner 2. Leading Member of Church of Colosse. 3. Won to Christ by Paul (v. 19). 4. Church Met In His House (v. 2). 5. Owned slaves. 6. Wife was Apphia (v. 2). 7. Archippus, his son was probably the pastor (Colossians 4:17).
UNIQUENESS OF THE EPISTLE: 1. Short: One Chapter – 25 verses. 2. Personal 3. Revealing:1 a) Paul’s Concern for Individuals as well as groups. b) Interested in spiritual condition of slaves as well as masters. c) Determined to follow-up after winning souls. 4. Prison Epistle: (Private Letter).
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