Song Numbers

Survey of Philemon

I. General information

New Testament Specific Letters Romans to Hebrews

Author Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit Philemon is one of Paul’s four books addressed to individuals. - 1 Timothy - Titus - 2 Timothy - Philemon

• It is one of the four prison epistles of Paul • It is one of the four prison epistles of Paul. --- Ephesians --- Philippians --- Colossians ---Philemon • It is Paul’s only one chapter book.

To Philemon To Whom Written One of Paul’s converts to Christ Had a house large enough for the church to meet in A benevolent man. 5-7 Was the owner of the slave, Onesimus.

Concerning Onesimus • He was a slave who had runaway from his master. • He fled to Rome. • He was converted to Christ by Paul.

Why it was written Paul wrote to plead on behalf of Onesimus – that Philemon would receive, forgive and perhaps release him

Outstanding features of the book Philemon is a tender letter on personal relations It demonstrates the brotherhood of believers This is called the “courteous epistle” --- in it Paul is courteous, lovable, humble, holy and unselfish

Brief outline Outline of Philemon (Bob Winton) 1. Philemon 1-3: Salutation. 2. Philemon 4-7: Paul’s Gratitude for Philemon. 3. Philemon 8-19: Paul Intercedes for Onesimus. 4. Philemon 20-22: Paul’s Confidence in Philemon. 5. Philemon 23-25: Closing Salutations.

II. Spiritual lessons from Philemon

1. The reforming power of the gospel in life --- it will make one desire to correct any wrongs he has done --- it will also make us willing to go to one wronged and make confession

2. The transforming power of the gospel --- it may raise one from worthlessness to usefulness Phile. 11 – “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:”

It will make us useful to others, not only in temporal matters, but useful in spiritual things as well Phile. 13 – “Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel”

3. The pattern for soul-winners and spiritual helpers --- we will not try to hide or cover a man’s past faults We will encourage and help the convert to right the past

We will not force one to do his duty, but will use love and persuasion to lead him to do what needs to be done

4. The great value of spiritual blessings – how great was Philemon’s debt to Paul for preaching the gospel to him and to Christ for saving him

5. The Bible answer to human slavery – Christianity abolishes slavery by making master and slave brothers in Christ

The gospel does this, and corrects all other social injustices, by quiet leaven of spiritual influence, and not by dynamite of violent revolution

Conclusion Philemon 9 [9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Philemon 15-17 [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? [17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.