philemon“Having confidence in your obedience”

“You will do even more than what I say”

Bob Harding

INTRODUCTION TO PHILEMON

This brief letter is the only personal correspondence written by Paul which has been preserved for us. This letter is purely personal, it is very brief, and yet a very weighty letter. Paul had evidently converted Philemon (19) and was a close friend of his (22).

From time to time we are all faced with challenging situations that have to be dealt with in a cautious way.  The book of Philemon is an example of such a situation.  Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes it as, “a lesson in the art of Christian relationships.  No finer example of ‘speaking the truth in love” exists than this beautiful letter.’” The book of Philemon is a very beautiful little book, like the book of Ruth in the O.T.

I. AUTHOR: THE APOSTLE PAUL

A. “From the most ancient times, the Pauline authorship of this letter has never been questioned.” (William S. Deal, Baker’s Pictorial Introduction to the Bible, 387)

1. Internally, the author refers to himself three times as “Paul” (1, 9, 19).1) The book’s similarity to the book of Colossians (1-2, 23-24 – Col 4:1-17)

argues for a simultaneous writing from the same place by the same author.

2. The book was listed within the Pauline section of the Muratorian Fragment.1) It was also acknowledged both as canonical and as Pauline by early

Church Fathers such as Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, and Marcion.

II. THE DATE AND DELIVERY OF THE EPISTLE

A. Philemon is one of the four “Prison Epistles’ (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians were the other three).

1. We read in Col 4:7-9 that Tychicus and Onesimus were the bearers of the Colossian letter. 1) It is only logical that Onesimus would also be carrying his letter of

commendation to Philemon.2) Paul stated or clearly implied in the other three prison epistles that he was

a prisoner in Rome (See introductions to these letters). He also states he is a prisoner in this letter to Philemon (1, 9, 13, 22).

3) We may conclude that Paul wrote the letter at Rome in 62 AD and sent at the same time as Colossians during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.

B. That Paul was in prison is seen in that:

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1. His listed associates were with him during his Roman imprisonment (1, 23-24).1) He identified himself twice as “a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (1, 9) and as

“the aged” (9). Both of these distinctions would fit Paul’s first Roman

imprisonment.

2. Evidently, Paul wrote this epistle just as he was preparing to send epistles to the Colossian and Ephesian churches.1) Tychicus apparently agreed to accompany Onesimus back to Colossae,

taking the Colossian and Ephesian epistles about 62 AD.

III. THE MAIN CHARACTERS

A. Philemon.

1. He was a resident of Colossae and the church seems to have assembled in his house (1).1) He must have been converted by Paul at either Ephesus or elsewhere (19).

2. Evidently, he was a wealthy slave owner.1) Onesimus was his property (10-11, 16).2) His house was large enough to serve as a meeting place for the church (2).3) His benevolence toward the saints is cited (5-7).4) The apostle requests of him a place to lodge (22).

3. “Probably Apphia was Philemon’s wife, and Archippus their son.” (Deal, p. 387)

B. Onesimus.

1. He was a slave of Philemon who had run away.1) 18: Implies that he may have stolen money from his master for his get-

away.2) He fled to Rome which would serve as a populous safe-haven to hide in.

2. In Rome, he came under the influence of the apostle Paul.1) Two suggested possibilities as to how this came about.

Epaphras had come from Colossae at this time to visit Paul (Col 1:7-8; 4:12-13). He may have seen and recognized Onesimus and brought him

to Paul. Onesimus may have exhausted his funds and stood in desperate need.

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He may have been familiar with the name of Paul and his situation and turned to him as a “last resort.”

3. He endeared himself to Paul as another “son” in the faith (10) so much so that Paul wanted to keep him in Rome (13).1) Since Onesimus belonged to Philemon, Paul sent him back to him at

Colossae with Tychicus who carried the Colossian epistle along with this letter to Philemon (Col 4:7-9).

IV. THE PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE

A. The letter was written in behalf of Onesimus who was a run-away slave which belonged to Philemon.

1. Onesimus had escaped from Philemon and perhaps even robbed him as he left.1) After escaping he came in contact with Paul, who was in prison at Rome.2) Paul converts him and is sending him back to his master, Philemon.

2. This letter is in behalf of Onesimus, pleading for mercy from Philemon not to punish him, but rather receive him as a brother in Christ.1) Recall that Paul converted Philemon and was a close friend of his (19, 22).

B. Paul wrote this intimate letter to commend Philemon:

1. His Christian compassion towards the needs of fellow believers (1-7).

2. To bring about the forgiveness and restoration of Onesimus by Philemon (8-21).

3. To announce plans for a future visit based upon his hopes of an imminent release (22).

4. Send greetings from many of Paul’s associates who were probably known to Philemon (23-25).

V. THE THEMES OF THE EPISTLE

A. Brotherly love.1. “Paul’s epistle to Philemon is a testimony to the power of the grace of God in

Christ Jesus and to the Christian love which unites believers.

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1) While he was formerly a thief and a runaway slave, Philemon’s slave Onesimus had been transformed by God’s grace and was now a “beloved brother” of Philemon (16).” (Nelson’s, 440)

2. “Does Christianity really work?1) Is the principle of Christian love and forgiveness really applicable,

practical and possible in difficult daily dealings?2) Paul’s brief ‘postcard’ to Philemon reveals that he had no doubt.3) This is the Savior’s message put to application.4) This is Christian love put to the test.5) This is forgiveness exemplified.” (Wilson Adams, Bible Survey, p. 304)

3. The epistle illustrates how brotherly love works. Love:1) Is grateful for the best in others (4).2) Seeks the welfare of others (10).3) Deals honestly with others (12).4) Bears the burdens of others (18).5) Believes the best in others (21).

B. Slavery.

1. “This letter gives us a clear picture of social and domestic life in New Testament times.1) Slavery was one of the common practices of the ancient world.2) People then saw no more wrong in having slaves than in having domestic

servants.3) Some authorities think that within the Roman Empire there were perhaps

60 million of these slaves.4) This grievous condition was so common it could not be uprooted

immediately, so Christianity regulated it with such principles as to make righteous conduct toward it possible, while at the same time, making it very difficult to continue its inequities and be what Christians ought to be…

5) The letter suggests that social and inequitable evils in this world are not to be solved by revolution or violence but by Christian influence and teaching.” (Cogdill, p. 118)

2. “Although the Bible nowhere attacks directly the institution of human slavery, principles for the humane treatment of slaves are found everywhere (Eph 6:5-9; Col 3:22-4:1; 1 Tim 6:1-2; 1 Pet 2:18-25).1) They were to be treated as people, not property.

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3. In this personal letter, however, there is a hint of a principle which if properly applied would lead a Christian master to release his slaves, especially those who were Christian.1) Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus ‘not now as a servant (slave),

but above a servant, a beloved brother’ (16).2) He later added: ‘Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you,

knowing that you will also do more than I say’ (21). The words “more than I say provide the clue.

3) Do they not contain Paul’s hope and prayer that Philemon would not only forgive Onesimus, but that he would also release him from the yoke of human bondage?

4) The principle is clear: If God our heavenly master freed us who were slaves to sin, should we not also release men from human slavery if it is within our power to do so?” (Gromacki, 315-316)

VI. SOME LESSONS FROM PHILEMON

A. Social evils are soonest changed by transformed lives.

1. This epistle reveals the correct attitude toward slavery which is a social evil.1) Paul did not teach slaves to rise up in revolution against the practice. 2) Rather than telling slave owners to release all slaves, he told them how to

treat their slaves.3) They were to be treated as an equal, as a brother in Christ (Gal 3:28).

2. Philemon was to treat his slave as he would treat Paul himself (17).1) Such advice took the sting out of slavery.2) Such an attitude kills the evils of abusing slaves from within rather than

merely bruising it by pounding on it from the outside.

B. The worth of a soul.

1. As a runaway slave Onesimus was only worthy of death in the eyes of man.1) By the help of God he became a beloved brother and equal with all others

in Christ.

C. Christians are to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2).

D. Repentance demands fulfilling lawful obligations prior to becoming a Christian (12-13, 18-19).

E. An illustration of the salvation of the Gospel.

1. Under Roman law, a slave had no right of asylum.6

1) If he ran away and was caught, his owner had full right to punish him at his discretion.

2) However, the slave was conceded one right – an appeal to his master’s friend for advocacy and intercession.

3) We are God’s property but as sinners we have robbed Him and fled as fugitives.

2. By law we stand condemned. However, grace has given us the right of appeal.1) As Onesimus appealed to Paul, we appeal to Jesus.2) As Paul took Onesimus’ debt upon himself (18), Jesus takes all our debts

upon Himself (2 Cor 5:21).3) As Onesimus was reconciled to Philemon and voluntarily returned to his

owner, we become reconciled to God and of our own free-will come back to Him (Rom 5:10-11).

PHILEMON7

I. SALUTATION (1-3).

1: “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,”

1. Paul does not assert his authority as an apostle, but rather is going to appeal to Philemon as a beloved brother and a friend.1) He is showing his tender affection for Philemon.

2: and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:”

1. This was evidently was the family of Philemon, namely his wife and son.1) Archippus was ministering at Colossae (Col 4:17, special job while Epaphras

was gone) which would indicate the family lived in that city. Epaphras had come from Colossae at this time to visit Paul (Col 1:7-8;

4:12-13). 2) Onesimus is also referred to as “one of you” (Col 4:9).

3: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. No greater blessing can be bestowed.

II. PHILEMON’S LOVE AND FAITH (4-9).(The character of a Christian)

4: “I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,”

5: “because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;”

1. Paul’s thanksgiving for Philemon and all that Philemon has done in the faith. 1) Paul says that he has heard of Philemon’s love and faith that he has toward

Jesus and toward all the saints. 2) Paul is laying the groundwork in the thanksgiving section of the letter.

2. Paul is thankful to God that Philemon is doing what Christians are supposed to do. Christians are to show love and faith, not only toward Jesus, but for all the saints. 1) Philemon, you are showing love and faith for all of God’s people. 2) This is Christian character: love and faith toward other Christians.

6: “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”

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1. It can be a little bit misleading to our ears to read that Paul prays “that the fellowship (sharing) of your faith may become effective.” 1) When we think of sharing our faith, we typically think of teaching the lost

evangelistically. But this is not what Paul means.

2. Paul is speaking of the faith that Philemon and Paul share. 1) Paul’s prayer is that the faith that Philemon has, the faith that he shares with

Paul, will be put into action (may become effective). 2) It is not that we are allowed to simply know the faith but must perform and act

on the faith we share. 3) Practicing our faith leads us to maturity.

So Paul says that he knows of Philemon’s love and faith for the brethren and he is praying that this will continue generously because of the faith they share.

7: “For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”

1. Paul presses this thought further. 1) Paul says that he has personally received “much joy and comfort” from

Philemon’s love.

2. How has Paul seen Philemon’s love? 1) Paul says because the hearts of God’s people have been “refreshed through

you” (Philemon). 2) The work that Philemon is doing in faith and love to God’s people has

impacted Paul so that he takes joy and comfort from knowing how faithful Philemon is toward the brethren.

8: “Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper,”

1. Paul, being an apostle of Christ, had a right to command, and he often did.1) These men truly loved God and loved each other.2) In this case he would rather ask Philemon on a very personal level.

9: “yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged,

and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—”

1. Paul beseeched out of love as an old man and prisoner.1) He is asking and exhorting Philemon to take this man back out of love for God,

Paul, and the soul of Onesimus.9

2) Could Philemon have refused such a personal and gentle request? 3) We, too, need to gently beseech out of love (2 Tim 2:24-25).

4) Have we developed close and loving relationships with brethren to where they could ask us such favors?

III. PLEA FOR ONESIMUS, A FREE MAN (10-21).

10: “I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,”

1. This shows that Paul was always busy trying to win souls (9; 1 Cor 4:15).1) I am asking for your help with my (our) problem.

11: “who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.”

1. We know that Philemon had been a good master, and Paul never blames Philemon for causing Onesimus to rebel.1) “Onesimus” was a common name among servants and it meant “useful,”

“profit,” or “to help.” Yet this man had not lived up to such a name.

2) The Holy Spirit does not down play the former attitude or life of this servant – he had been a “useless” slave. God does not say anything good about his former life. Sinful attitudes can make us absolutely useless!

3) Job 30:1-2: Job spoke of people who he would not even hire to put with the dogs to watch his flocks.

2. Notice and be impressed with the drastic change in one man’s life that is mentioned here.1) Here is a man who had been absolutely unprofitable.

Onesimus was the type that exasperates good men like Philemon, the type that one is tempted to simply give up on.

2) You cannot reason with type of person and their attitude is poor, their heads are filled with wrong thoughts, perverted ideas, and selfish motivations. Is there any hope for such an individual?

3. This letter says yes! How is such a drastic change possible?1) The only answer is the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 6:9-11).2) Paul was in prison for only two of years (Onesimus’ conversion was at least

after one year of his imprisonment (61-62 AD).3) Therefore the change that took place in Onesimus from “useless” to “useful”

to an apostle, took place in a very short period of time.

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Drastic, real meaningful, and lasting change is possible if one is really willing to put Christ first.

12: “I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,”

1. Paul does not shy away from what might be a very uncomfortable situation for Onesimus and Philemon.1) Paul does not simply send a note of apology from Onesimus, but he is sending

him back personally.2) Paul adds that in sending Onesimus, he is sending his heart regarding someone

he has grown to love very much. Notice that God has Onesimus sent back to the city and household that

knew him as a useless servant. As people saw the change in his character, his life would become a

tremendous example of how the gospel can change a person (1 Thes 1:9; 1 Cor 6:9-11).

13: “whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;”

1. Paul became attached to Onesimus and didn’t want to send him back to Philemon.1) Onesimus had changed so much that Paul actually wanted to use him as a co-

worker in Rome, and Paul did not put up with people who were less than fully dedicated (Acts 15:28).

14: “but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will.”

1. Paul would have liked to have kept Onesimus, but wouldn’t do it without Philemon’s consent.1) That would have made Philemon’s gift one of necessity, and not of his own

free will.2) Paul didn’t want to put Philemon in a position to do something because he had

to. Paul knew Philemon would do it willingly.

3) Paul knew that for generosity and sacrifice to mean anything, it had to come from one’s own heart.

4) God does not force us to make the right decisions either (John 7:17; 2 Cor 8:5; 9:7).

15: “For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,”

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1. Unlike many modern religious people, Paul did not presume to know what God was doing behind the scenes.1) If God does not inform us through Scripture, then all we can say about a certain

situation that turned out for the better is a humble “perhaps” (Est 4:14).2) To say “perhaps” instead of “I just know” is not a lack of faith, rather it is a

humble refusal to speak where God has not spoken. It is a humble acknowledgement that apart from revelation we are

completely ignorant of God’s workings in our world.

2. Philemon really had traded a slave for a short time and got a brother “back forever.”1) Philemon's brief loss of a slave is repaid by a permanent gain of a brother.2) Therefore we can say “All things work together for good for those who love

God” (Rom 8:28).

16: “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”

1. If I loved Onesimus this much for a short time you will love him even more since he will be with you constantly.1) “In the flesh” – a working physical relationship.2) “In the Lord” – Spiritual relationship in the church.

2. If the gospel can remedy this difficult situation, if two people with Christian attitudes (like-minded) can overcome the tension, hurt feelings in this relationship, then two people who are determined to act like Christians can overcome anything.1) Christianity, when applied, can fix so many problems, it can truly “cover a

multitude of sins” (Jas 5:19-20).2) As Christians, let us remember that we truly have the answer and power to

remedy even the most difficult and strained relationships.3) We have the power to release people from even the most addictive lifestyles or

even the most twisted ways of thinking (1 Cor 6:9-11; 1 Pet 4:1-4).

17: “If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.”

1. Receive the slave Onesimus as if he were Paul.1) Give him the same welcome as you would give me.2) This is what takes the sting out of slavery and reduces it to nothing (Eph 6:5-9;

Col 3:22-4:1; Gal 3:28).

18: “But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account;”

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1. Perhaps lingering in Philemon's mind - a reason for not receiving Onesimus - is a debt that Onesimus owed.

1) It was common for runaway slaves to take many things along with them that they did not own, thus, stealing from their master.

2. Paul is not downplaying the former actions of Onesimus, for it appears that the former foolish actions of this man had impacted Philemon financially.1) Rather, Paul is reminding Philemon that it is far easier when people repent to

forgive and to forget about how a person has wronged us when we remember what we owe to God (Matt 6:12-15; 18:35).

19: “I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well).”

1. Paul reminds Philemon that he himself owed Paul quite a debt.1) Paul had actually written the entire letter (instead of dictating it to a skilled

writer), and it was Paul who had converted Philemon years before, and in that sense Philemon was indebted to Paul.

20: “Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.”

1. Paul would rejoice if Philemon receives Onesimus back again. 1) Paul is encouraging Philemon to thus refresh his heart.

2. Forgiveness is refreshing. Forgiveness is beautiful. Forgiveness brings joy and comfort. 1) But forgiveness is hard. 2) Our natural temptation is to hold on to our bitterness and grudges because

someone has done something wrong against us. 3) But you are showing love and refreshment to that person.

Forgiveness is beneficial to all. The soul is refreshed through Christian love and behavior.

3. We forgive one another because that is what love does. 1) We do not begrudgingly forgive because we are commanded to and we are

afraid that we will not go to heaven because our sins will not be forgiven.2) Forgiveness out of compulsion is not Christian forgiveness.

If I wronged you and you come to me and tell me that you forgive me because you have to, there is not much restoration and reconciliation of the relationship that is happening.

This does not reflect the love and graciousness of God.

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3) We forgive because this is love. Forgiveness is exactly what love for Jesus looks like. If we will not forgive other Christians, then we do not have love.

21: “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do

even more than what I say.”

1. Paul knew that Philemon, himself, was a dedicated and dependable person.1) Paul does not send someone with Onesimus for the purpose of making sure that

Philemon receives him properly, rather all he does is exhort through Scripture.2) He has simply written to us, exhorted us to do the right things, and given

tremendous arguments and incentives for doing so, and then He has left the decision in our hands.

3) Paul had the confidence that all he had to do was write and it would get done. Are we that dependable? Do we feel the weight of responsibility that these letters place upon us?

4) Paul is confident that Philemon will accept all this and even go the extra mile (Matt 5:41). There is nothing like seeing Christians doing the right thing in tough

situations to uplift the heart of other Christians.

IV. PAUL’S INTENTION OF PAYING PHILEMON A VISIT (22).

22: “At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you.”

1. This shows that Philemon was a man of means.1) Paul hoped to be released from prison so that he could visit brethren in various

places (Phil 1:23-26).

V. CONCLUDING SALUTATION (23-25).

1. Various ones are mentioned in Paul's concluding remarks:

23: “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,”

1. Epaphras is mentioned only here and in Col 1:7; 4:12. 1) At the time of the writing of Philemon, he was also a prisoner in Rome.

He probably was a N.T. prophet.

24: “as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.”

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1. These others are familiar N.T. characters. 1) Mark was the cousin of Barnabas and was the one who left Paul and Barnabas

on their first missionary journey (Col 4:10; Acts 13:13). He later proved himself (2 Tim 4:11).

2) Aristarchus traveled with Paul and also was probably a N.T. prophet (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10)

3) Demas later left Paul because he loved this present world (2 Tim 4:10). 4) Luke was the beloved physician and the writer of Luke and Acts (Col 4:14).

25: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

1. To have grace and peace within our hearts is a wonderful blessing.

CONCLUSION

1. Lessons from this short epistle:

1. Slavery was not condemned or abolished, but was regulated by divine principles.1) The gospel of Christ sets forth principles that, when applied, would eventually

abolish slavery.

2. We see the deep love that brethren had, and should have, for one another.1) But ultimately, why do we need to forgive? 2) We need to forgive because all of us are Onesimus. 3) This letter is preserved for this church and for us because all of us have done

wrong and are in need of forgiveness. We need to forgive because we need to be forgiven. Not only do we need to be forgiven by God, but how many times have

you needed your errors and mistakes overlooked by another person? Are we going to pretend that we do not need to be forgiven and therefore

act superior and be unwilling to forgive another? 4) Even Paul refused to act superior, who had every right to do so as an apostle.

Forgiveness is walking by faith. You forgiveness from others. You need forgiveness from your God.

Forgive others and Christ has forgiven you.

THE CHARACTER OF A CHRISTIAN

INTRODUCTION

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A. As already mentioned, the book of Philemon deals with a delicate situation. 

1. What do we do when faced with having to tell someone something that is unpleasant or deal with a problem involving our brethren?  1) This letter gives us some insights to consider.2) Using wise judgment in dealing with situations. 

             2. Many problems are made worse because we act impulsively or rashly.

1) Jephthah lost his daughter because of rash vow (Jud 11:30-40).2) John the Baptist lost his head because of a rash promise by Herod (Mark 6:23).3) Peter impulsively said he would never deny his Lord (Matt. 16:22-23)

                                                  3. It is wise to contemplate your actions before you act hastily.

1) Prov 14:15: “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.”

2) Matt 10:16: as Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves”

3) Jas 1:19-20: “be swift to hear, slow to speak…” Remember tact – On this occasion Paul chose his words carefully

4) Col 4:5-6: We are told to let our “speech be seasoned with salt.”

I. HANDLING SITUATIONS BETWEEN BRETHREN               

A. Paul’s confident approach. 

1. In most situations there are at least two ways to approach a problem - You can be pessimistic and expect the worst or you can be optimistic.

              1) When possible it is best to be positive and present something in a good light.  That is what Paul does on this occasion. 

2) He writes with a confidence that what he asks WILL be done (21-22).  3) He also emphasizes the good of the situation (16).

2. You’ve gained a brother in Christ.1) NOTE: this is not saying to ignore or avoid that which is wrong.  2) But if you don’t have confidence that something can be accomplished –

aren’t you wasting your time? FOR EXAMPLE: Why do we not convert more today?  Because we

don’t think it can be done or no one will listen, etc.  We are defeated before we start. 

                    3. The same is true in dealing with problems and concerns.

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1) We have a tendency to focus on the negative and blurt out orders, rather than approaching a problem with optimism and confidence in the one you are approaching and the solution you are presenting.

                 2) You can accomplish so much more if you will use the “sandwich” technique in addressing problems (compliment – issue - compliment).  Paul begins with praise – 7 verses.  He concludes with confidence that what he asks will be done (21-

22).  The problem is sandwiched in-between.

B. Don’t take advantage of each other.                                                  

1. 8-9: Paul notes that he could give a command but rather he appeals “for love’s sake” to Philemon.  1) The difference is not the result but the approach.

                      2) If we have a need, we are better off making an appeal or request as opposed to making a demand.  Brethren may say, “You have to do this for me because you are my

brother in Christ”.  There are times where that might be true, but it is NOT always the case.

Gal 5:13: Tells us to not abuse our liberties.

2. Realize your relationship with one another (16).                  1) How many problems among us could be avoided or resolved quickly and

with the least amount of discomfort if we would continually realize that we are brethren? 

2) Instead of looking to build each other up, many brethren look for faults and opportunities to criticize. 

3) Still others have such sour dispositions, that they DARE anyone to say anything to them. When we are hesitant to address problems with our brethren there is

something wrong on one side or the other, and maybe both sides.                                                 

3. As Paul writes Philemon he appeals to this new relationship with Onesimus.1) He knows that brethren have to treat each other differently than the rest of

the world (not that you can mistreat anyone in the world.  2) All that we do must be done in love and with an understanding of the

bonds that we now enjoy.                     3) John 13:35: Our love for one another is a testimony to the world of our

relationship with Christ.

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4) 1 John 5:1: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.”

5) Gal 5:14-15: Your brethren are your neighbors (as are others) and if we bite and devour one another we WILL be consumed. In dealing with ANY problem or concern that arises we need to

ALWAYS remind ourselves that WE ARE BRETHREN!  And proceed from there.

C. Be willing to stand up for each other.                                                  

1. Paul writes this letter knowing of Onesimus’ wrongs but he still stand beside him.  1) NOT defending what he did wrong but interceding for him (12, 17-18). 2) Paul is even willing to help pay the debt that is owed for him.

                                       2. Sometimes as brethren we do dumb things, maybe even really stupid things. 

1) When one has been overtaken in a fault, the last he needs is to be kicked around a little more and lectured.  He needs help.  He needs Jesus to intercede for him.  He needs God to forgive him. 

2) And he needs us to stand by him and pick him back up.  Gal 6:1: tells us to restore those overtaken in a trespass.

                     3) Heb 4:15-16: Where would we be if Jesus did not stand up for us?                      4) 2 Tim 4:16: Paul is by himself.  He responds saying, “May it not be

counted (charged) against them.”

II.   THE NEED TO MEET OBLIGATIONS              

A. Even though Onesimus had obeyed the gospel, he still had to correct wrongs he had committed before becoming a Christian. 

1. Baptism didn’t wash away his slavery OR the fact that he was a fugitive and/or thief.  Therefore Paul wrote this letter. 1) While baptism washes away sins, it does not was away the physical

consequences. 2. The idea of repentance leads to a change in your course of life.  You need to

make right whatever wrongs you have committed (to the best of your ability).  1) If you stole something before you became a Christian, it is still stolen.

You have to return it (see Zacchaeus, Luke 19:8)2) If you are in an sinful relationship (not married and living together) before

baptism is still unscriptural after baptism.  “Living together” has to stop. 

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Just because you have obeyed the gospel does not mean that relationship is now acceptable.     

 B. Thus we find the book of Philemon and some lessons we can learn from this

short, personal letter from Paul. 

1. Let us consider the impact this book can have in our lives and how it encourages us to treat each other as brethren.  1) Are we doing what we ought to do?  2) If not, make the necessary changes. 

If you are not a Christian, become one today.  If you are an unfaithful Christian – come back to God. 

 

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Philemon Study Questions

I. SALUTATION (1-3).

1. How does Paul refer to himself?

2. Who in addition to Philemon, is addressed in the salutation?

3. How was Philemon a “fellow laborer” with Paul?

4. What does the phrase “the church in your house” mean?

II. PHILEMON’S LOVE AND FAITH (4-9).(The character of a Christian)

1. What did Philemon show toward the Lord?

2. How did Philemon “share” his faith?

3. Why did Paul have “much joy and comfort” in Philemon’s love?

4. Why could Paul have commanded Philemon? (See 1 Cor 1:1; Gal 1:1).1) Why did he not do it?2) What did he do instead?

5. How did Paul describe himself in verse 9?

III. PLEA FOR ONESIMUS, A FREE MAN (10-21).

1. What appeal did Paul make?

2. Who was Onesimus?1) What was his relationship to Philemon?2) To Paul?

3. Why did Paul want Onesimus to stay with him?

4. Why did Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon?

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5. Who offered to pay anything Onesimus might owe Philemon?1) Why was such an offer made?

6. What do we learn from the word “perhaps” in verse 15?

7. How did Paul want Philemon to receive Onesimus?

8. What motive did Paul offer Philemon for receiving Onesimus back?

9. How could Philemon “refresh” the heart of Paul?

10. What two things was Paul confident of about Philemon?

IV. PAUL’S INTENTION OF PAYING PHILEMON A VISIT (22).

1. What was Philemon to prepare for Paul?

2. In what did Paul hope for deliverance from prison?

V. CONCLUDING SALUTATION (23-25).

1. Please identify the following men:

1) Epaphras

2) Mark

3) Aristarchus

4) Demas

5) Luke

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