PHILEMON 1

Paul's short letter to Philemon consists mainly of a plea for this godly man to graciously receive his runaway slave Onesimus, who has become a Christian and whom Paul is now sending back to his master.

THE APPRECIATION AND PRAISE FOR PHILEMON (1:1-7)

Philemon is a family man (1:1-3):

His wife's name is Apphia, and his son's name is Archippus.

Philemon is a faithful man (1:4-5):

Paul gives thanks for Philemon's faith.

Philemon is a fruitful man (1:6-7):

He befriended and encouraged both Paul and many other believers.

THE APPEAL AND PLEA FOR ONESIMUS (1:8-17)

Forgive him for your own sake (1:8-15).

"Show kindness to Onesimus" (1:8-10).

"Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us" (1:11).

"I really wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News.... But I didn't want to do anything without your consent" (1:12-14).

"Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever" (1:15).

Forgive him for his sake (1:16):

He is now your brother in Christ.

Forgive him for my sake (1:17):

Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive the apostle himself.

THE ASSURANCE AND PLEDGE FROM PAUL (1:18-25)

The guarantee (1:18-19a):

Paul promises to pay Philemon any debt owed by Onesimus.

The gentle reminder (1:19b):

Paul reminds Philemon of the great spiritual debt Philemon himself owes the apostle.

The guest room (1:22):

Paul asks Philemon to keep a room available for when he is next able to visit.

The greetings (1:23-25):

Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, Paul's co-laborers, send their greetings to Philemon from Rome.