1. …

2. Philemon

3. Events Leading Up To This Epistle… OOne of 4 epistles written from 1st Roman imprisonment Acts 28:30-31 TThe shortest of all of Paul’s 13 N.T. epistles TThe only letter of the 10 “journey epistles” not addressed to a local church 33 references as a “prisoner” vv. 1, 9-10, 13

4. Events Leading Up To This Epistle…  The letter was carried from Rome to Colossae by Tychicus & Onesimus  Not stated as in Eph 6:21-22 & Col 4:7-9  However, given Onesimus was from Colossae & was Philemon’s runaway slave, this is the most logical conclusion

5. Philemon Events Leading Up To This Epistle…  The letter is a heart-felt appeal by Paul  Onesimus had run away, met Paul in Rome, and had been converted vv. 10-14, 16-17  A story of Divine providence v. 15a  A story of brotherly love & forgiveness vv. 8-9, 12, 15b-18

6. Philemon Events Leading Up To This Epistle…  Only here (v. 22) and in Phil 1:19-20, 25-26 does Paul reveal his expectations re: being released from the 1st Roman imprisonment  He requests that Philemon prepare a room for him at his house

7. The Epistle… OOpening Greetings & Exhortations vv. 1-7 PPhilemon mentioned with other brethren who host a church in their house vv. 1-2 SSome believe Apphia was his wife, and Archippus – mentioned in Col 4:17 – was their son Philemon

8. The Epistle…  Opening Greetings & Exhortations vv. 1-7  An expression of thankfulness for Philemon’s faithfulness vv. 4-5, 7 Philemon

9. The Epistle…  A Personal Appeal Re: Onesimus vv. 8-20  He could “order” or “command” Philemon re: Onesimus…but he “appeals” vv. 8-9  Paul had “begotten” Onesimus in this imprisonment vv. 10-11  He was “formerly useless”  Now “useful” both to Paul & Philemon Philemon

10. The Epistle…  A Personal Appeal Re: Onesimus vv. 8-20  Paul’s decision re: Onesimus vv. 12-14  He wanted to keep him with him in Rome  Yet, “…without consent” from Philemon, Paul sent him back to Colossae  He wanted Philemon’s goodness to be from “free will” & not from “compulsion” Philemon

11. The Epistle…  A Personal Appeal Re: Onesimus vv. 8-20  Paul’s admission of providence vv. 15-16  “Perhaps…Onesimus was parted from you for awhile that you may have him back forever”  “No longer as a slave, but as a brother” Philemon

12. The Epistle…  A Personal Appeal Re: Onesimus vv. 8-20  Paul’s requests vv. 17-20  “If you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would accept me.”  “If he has wronged you, put that to my account…I will repay it.”  “You owe me your own life.” Philemon

13. The Epistle…  Closing Personal Remarks vv. 21-25  Paul was sure that Philemon would do as he asked… “…even more” v. 21  He also requests Philemon prepare him a room…Paul was hoping to visit him after his release from prison v. 22 Philemon

14. The Epistle…  Closing Personal Remarks vv. 21-25  Paul mentions other brethren who send their greetings along with Paul vv. 23-24 Philemon