Title The Book of Philemon at a Glance
Contents
2007. 1. 21 (Sunday night) Philemon at a glance
focus
prayer of thanks
A plea for Onesimus
Promise to Philemon
Related verses
1:1------8------------------------- ----17-- ------------------25
division
Praises Philemon's Love
Arbitration for Onesimus
Confident of Philemon's Obedience
subject
Praise Philemon
Paul's plea
Paul's Promise
Philemon's character
Conversion of Onesimus
Paul's Confidence
Place
Rome
term
60-61 AD
Philemon, the shortest of Paul's epistles (the Greek text is only 334 words), is an example of politeness, prudence, and caring love forgiving a person who would otherwise face harsh consequences.
Author: Paul
Date of Record: About 60-61 AD
Theme and Literary Structure: This witty and very personal letter is divided into three parts. These are the prayer of thanksgiving toward Philemon (verses 1-7), Paul's plea for Onesimus (8-16), and Paul's promise to Philemon (verses 17-25).
Give thanks for the best things your neighbor has (verse 4)
Be honest with your neighbors (verse 12). Christians seek the welfare of your neighbors (verse 10).
love
Bearing your neighbor's burdens together (verse 18)
Believe (v. 21) Paul's letter to Philemon is a testimony of the power of God's grace in Christ Jesus and of Christian love that binds believers. Philemon's slave Onesimus, formerly a thief and a runaway slave, was changed by God's grace and now became Philemon's “beloved brother” (v. 16).
How does love work?