Philemon

1-3 Salutation

• From Paul (prisoner) and Timothy to Philemon, Apphia (our sister), Archippus, and to the church in your home
• Grace and peace

4-7 Philemon’s Love and Faith

• I thank God for your love and faith and pray that the sharing of your faith will be effective.
• Your love has given me joy and encouragement. What a tribute to Philemon, that the great apostle would be encouraged by him.

8-22 Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

• As an old man and a prisoner, I appeal to you on the basis of love, not duty. How could anyone refuse a request from an old man in prison, one who benefits from your love and encouragement?
• I am sending Onesimus – your useless slave but now my useful child in the faith – back to you, even though he has served me in your place. In Greek, the word “Onesimus” means “profitable.”
• He’s coming back to you spiritually as a brother in Christ and physically as a slave.
• Welcome him as you would welcome me
• Charge me for anything he might owe you. (I won’t mention how much you owe me.)
• I know you will do even more than I ask.
• Prepare a room for me, for I’m hoping to be restored to you.

Note: What a lesson in persuasion! As in other of Paul’s letters we see his skill in debate, here we see his ability to persuade by appealing to Philemon’s best self.

23-25 Final Greetings and Benediction

• My fellow prisoner Epaphras greets you, as do fellow workers Mark (Acts 15:36-41), Aristarchus (Acts 27:1-12), Demas (Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:10, and Luke (Acts 16:10)
• The grace of Christ be with your spirit.