Commentary on the book of philemon christian ambassadors, inc 3. The letter suggests that paul was in prison at the time of the writing. There was a church there, perhaps established by epaphras colossians 1. The saints met in the home of a man named philemon, who was a convert of pauls on some earlier occasion philemon 19. The letter is about the fate of a runaway slave, onesimus, as he returns to his slave master. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian new testament. Unlike most of pauls letters, his letter to philemon has little directly to do with christian doctrine or the pastoral care of believers. The book of philemon is a prison epistle letter written while in prison, which paul wrote circa 61 a. Philemon, onesimus master, was also a christian and pauls close friend. May you discover gods character as you read his letter to you. In one of the rooms at bollingen, he painted a huge mural of the winged philemon, essentially reproducing the painting from the red book. The word of god and the testimony of the prophets make clear that there is a time and place for christfollowers to address justice issues in our broader culture.
The letter, rather, is a personal missive sent from paul to a friend in colossae. Listen to chuck swindolls overview of titus in his audio message from the classic series gods masterwork. Study guide for philemon by david guzik blue letter bible. Commentary on the book of philemon christian ambassadors. The basis for pauls appeal to philemon is the supreme christian virtue of love. The author of the book of philemon was the apostle paul philemon 1. The book is a very personal letter sent from the apostle paul see philemon 1,9,19 to his friend and son in the faith philemon. Philemon 125 this letter seems to be a personal letter, but of its divine inspiration there can be no doubt. That he was apparently a resident of colossae is supported by the fact that his slave, onesimus, was a colossian colossians 4. The book of philemon as well as the book of colossians were written by paul and delivered at the same time.
It is a prison letter, coauthored by paul the apostle with timothy, to philemon, a leader in the colossian church. Many people are turned off to the bible because they perceive it to be a book which addresses doctrinal issues they are unable to understand because they havent been to some religious school they think understanding the bible requires some theological degree. The book of philemon was a letter from paul to his close, personal friend, philemon. Thirdly, if onesimus stayed he helped man in chains for the gospel. This message is an overview of the book of philemon and part of a 2year study of the bible. What does paul mean by saying he is a prisoner of christ jesus.
Paul and philemon may have had what is known as a patronclient relationship. The rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. We are going to begin this morning a study of a brand new book in the new testament, the book of philemon, and i want you to turn to it. Paul continues by saying that he is confident that philemon will do what is right and receive his former servant as a brother in the faith verses 2021. Philemon is an awesome story of community, redemption, salvation, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
Apparently philemon was welltodo, for his home was large enough to accommodate the church assemblies, and he was a slave owner. One illustration you might mention is that bank employees study genuine. The origin of pauls relationship with titus is shrouded in mystery, though we. In the bible book that bears philemon s name, paul addressed his beloved brother as a fellow worker, a title given to those who served for a time alongside paul. Philemon 125 friendship, forgiveness, reputation discussion questions 1. In spite of pauls tact in approaching philemon, it is obvious that he wants philemon to release onesimus so that he can retain him for his own service. It is listed among pauls letters by both the early heretic marcion who came to rome in 140s a. Study island leading academic provider of standards. Paul wrote this letter to philemon, a believer in colosse who, along with others, was a slave owner. Philemon king james version kjv 1 paul, a prisoner of jesus christ, and timothy our brother, unto philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 and to our beloved apphia, and archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house. The epistle to philemon chapter one objectives in studying philemon 1 to be impressed with the loving hospitality which characterized the christians in the early church 2 to learn lessons in the use of tact in dealing with others summary in this very short and personal epistle, paul addresses it to philemon, apphia, archippus and to the. Philemon 2025 20 yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the lord. Philemon kjv paul, a prisoner of jesus christ, and. Pauls letters to titus and philemon apostolic faith church.
Book of titus overview insight for living ministries. The book of philemon offers a powerful case study of brotherly love and the importance of forgiveness and equality within the body of christ. He then says he hopes philemon will be active in sharing his faith. Philemon and colossians were both written by paul the apostle. Customer support will be closed monday, 2172020 in. Onesimus now lives up to the meaning of his name by being a profitable, useful servant of god. The book of philemon is about a personal appeal to a prosperous christian slave owner to receive his slave back as a brother in christ. It comprises only 335 words in the original greek, and, along with the epistles to timothy and titus, it is one of the apostles few letters to individuals.
C2 pauls persistent mentioning of philemon in his prayers 46 c3 pauls receipt of much joy and comfort 7 a2 the encouragement of philemon to receive onesimus 820 b1 pauls tact in approaching philemon 89 c1 his acknowledgment that he could legitimately, because of his apostolic position in christ, boldly order philemon to act appropriately 8. In the bible book that bears philemons name, paul addressed his beloved brother as a fellow worker, a title given to those who served for a time alongside paul. Pauls basic claim in philemon is the same as it is in galatians 3. It is the first book ive really studied and just like you said it is really inticing and precious to discover the lords word like this. Philemon was a slave owner who also hosted a church in his home. Study questions for the book of philemon flashcards quizlet. New testament apocrypha studies synod of hippo textual criticism category portal. As philemon forgave onesimus on pauls request, it was as if he was giving a drink of cold water in the name of a disciple and he shall be rewarded for it matthew 10. Pauls private letter to philemon is a short letter dealing with a private matter concerning a slave and his master. Start studying study questions for the book of philemon. Essentially, paul gave philemon the freedom to do what was right in love before the lord. The book of philemon was written in approximately a.
Philemon is a letter that showcases the cost of asking for and of granting forgiveness. The book of philemon introductory words it is a wonderful thing to be privileged to enter a home of the first century and see into its workings, at least in part. Minister, woodland heights christian church, crawfordsville, in no. Philemon s faith in the lord jesus and his love for all the saints, meaning christ followers. There is no longer jew or greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female. Philemon the slaveowner and onesimus the runaway slave or bondservant had both been reconciled to god through pauls ministry. What are the most commonly asked questions about the book of philemon. Thank you for your in depth sharing of the book of philemon.
Truth expressed in relationships in titus and philemon psephizo. And i am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the. Philemon bible study lesson 1 historical backgrounds of philemon information useful to understand before a study of the letters contents slavery in the grecoroman world one of the most important things to understand about philemon is the background of slavery in the ancient world. The home to which we now have access is the home of philemon at colosse. A selected bibliography of colossians and philemon. Customer support will be closed monday, 2172020 in observation of presidents day. He was a native probably of colosse, or at all events lived in that city when the apostle wrote to him. Philemon author explaining the book bible study guide. Onesimus was on an errand to the colossians on behalf of paul, and paul called him a beloved brother colossians 4. To ensure that you can access all features on study island, click here for instructions on updating browser settings.
Its just very brief, one chapter, 25 verses, a lesson on for. Paul identified himself as the author of the letter to titus, calling himself a bondservant of god and an apostle of jesus christ titus 1. Philemon was converted through pauls ministry, as also was archippus, his son, and apphia his wife. In that day, most runaway slaves, if caught, faced harsh punishment and sometimes even death. Since colossians was written from rome during pauls first imprisonment 62 ad. It also contains some broader statements, and some principles relevant to christians in every period of history. It was written to philemon as a plea to request forgiveness for his runaway servant onesimus, who was a new believer in jesus christ. Some time ago i wrote on 2 timothy, titus and philemon, and. A summary, synopsis or recap is a shortened version of the original. It gives us a glimpse into how christians of the first century approached problem. Could the common view of onesimus as a runaway, thieving slave be wrong.
I have taken over faust as my heritage, and moreover as the advocate and avenger of philemon and baucis, who, unlike faust the superman, are the hosts of. Philemon, the name of the christian to whom paul addressed his epistle in behalf of onesimus. Pauls convert and fellowworker who lived in colossae and ministered to the saints. Most of the people mentioned in this letter for example, apphia, archipus, and others, including philemon and onesimus, are also mentioned in colossians, a fact which implies a close relationship between the two letters. Philemon bible study lesson 1 historical backgrounds of. It deals with the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Crete had significant pagan influences because it was a training ground for roman. Onesimus, whose name means useful, can only be of value to his master if he returns, and to paul if he stays. Paul wants philemon to welcome him as you would welcome me. How does this letter, compared to pauls other letters, start out differently. Study island is a leading academic software provider of standardsbased assessment, instruction, and test preparation elearning programs. Study in philemon by edgar pierce exposing the word. Letter from paul to philemon, paul, a prisoner of jesus christ, and timothy our brother, unto philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer. Philemon kjv paul, a prisoner of jesus christ, and bible.
Study guide for acts 28 by david guzik blue letter bible. Probably because the gospel of luke and the book of acts were composed as a friendofthecourt brief to be used in pauls trial before caesar. We have detailed a brief summary of the book of philemon for bible study or sunday school lessons. Paul does not identify himself as an apostle with authority, but as a prisoner of jesus christ, calling. These books philemon and colossians issue from the same historical setting. A study of pauls letter to philemon bob burridge 2015. It is first a primary history source for roman history in the first century.
Paul is really laying it all on the line here, philemon. When paul sits down to put pen to parchment to write to his friends in galatia, hes not exactly feeling the warm fuzzies for them. The epistle of paul to philemon, known simply as philemon, is one of the books of the christian. The key personalities of philemon are paul, philemon, and onesimus. Pauls letter to philemon mainly deals with a request being made by the apostle to a christian in ancient colossae. Next up in our study of the prison epistles is the letter to philemon, which is the shortest of all of pauls letters in the new testament. Paul knows that philemon will do the right thing here. Book of philemon overview insight for living ministries.
The book of philemon is as several authors have said, like looking over the shoulder of philemon as he reads his personal mail. Paul represents onesimus as a son, as my own heart, as a brother. The main purpose of a summary is as a simplification highlighting the major points from the original and much longer version of the subject. The heart of pauls letter to philemon is the fellowship that comes from reconciliation. If philemon is pauline, so is colossians which has been doubted by several modern scholars. The letter to philemon is the shortest of all pauls writings and deals with the practice of slavery. Paul employs psychological tact, while at the same time not sacrificing his apostles authority. Timothy is the brother of both paul and of the recipient of this letter but not in the physical literal sense. Throughout the next four weeks, well be studying the book of philemon. Paul praises philemon for the love he has shown not just to him but to all the believers in that area. Apparently paul and titus had been together in a ministry on the island of crete see. Clearly, a kinship existed between paul and philemon, one that would serve a significant purpose in light of the circumstance that brought about the letter. Epistle to philemon read the bible online bible study tools. Philemon in the picture study bible the book of philemon.
Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary galatians. This summary of the book of philemon provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of philemon. And to sweeten the deal, paul even agrees to pay any debts that onesimus owes philemon. The apostles joy and praise for philemon s steady faith in the lord jesus, and love to all the saints. Ephesians philippians colossians philemon is pauls only one chapter book.
Lessons learned from philemon simple bible studies. Study island has detected that your browser is in compatibility mode or you are using an unsupported browser. Bynum 2009 tabernacle baptist church the doctrine of imputation applied memory verse. Firstly, the utter transformation of onesimus through gods grace.
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