The Church of Divine Guidance (CDG) Sunday morning adult bible study of the book of Philemon. These posts are my notes for each session. Please study with us. You can participate by asking your questions or making comments below. We welcome your thoughts, questions, comments, and prayers.
Background
This letter to a man, who as we will see, Paul considered a friend is the shortest of all Paul's writings and deals with the practice of slavery and forgiveness.
It was written, along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians, during his first Roman imprisonment between A.D. 60 and A.D. 62. Philemon had probably been saved under Paul’s ministry several years earlier, probably in Ephesus. Philemon was wealthy and was a slave owner in Colosse. One of his slaves, a man named Onesimus, had run off and ended up in Rome and through circumstances not recorded in scripture, he met Paul and became a Christian. Although Paul cared deeply for Onesimus, he knew that his running away from Philemon was a violation of Roman law and had to be rectified, so he sent Onesimus back to Colossae with Tychicus. Tychicus was returning to Colosse with Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Colossians 4:7-9 (NLT)7 Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work.8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.9 I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.
Along with the Colossian letter, Paul sent a personal letter to Philemon asking him to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back to his household as a brother in Christ. As we talked about before when we studied Timothy and Titus that Paul encouraged slaves to obey their masters, and work hard for them.
1 Timothy 6:1 (NKJV) Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
Titus 2:9-10 (NKJV) Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Paul does not discuss the ultimate question of the right and wrong of slavery, but stresses the obligations resting on the slave, and the opportunity even in that situation to bring glory to God and show the freedom found in Christ.
Paul gives instructions to masters on how to treat their slaves in
Ephesians 6:5-9 (NKJV)5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
This is important!!
The purpose of the Bible is to point the way to salvation, not to reform society. The Bible often approaches issues from the inside out. If a person experiences the love, mercy, and grace of God by receiving His salvation, God will reform his soul, changing the way he thinks and acts. A person who has experienced God’s gift of salvation and freedom from the slavery of sin, as God reforms his soul, will realize that enslaving another human being is wrong. He will see, with Paul, that a slave can be “a brother in the Lord”
Philemon 1:16 (NKJV)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.
A person who has truly experienced God’s grace will in turn be gracious towards others. That would be the Bible’s prescription for ending slavery.
It is interesting to note that the New Testament does not condemn slavery, nor does it record the church going through political channels to outlaw the practice of slavery. Had these avenues been pursued, the message of the gospel would have been confused with social reform. Instead, first century Christianity undermined the evils of slavery by teaching slaves and masters the gospel, and encouraging them to live a life worthy of the gospel. Where this is done, slavery’s abuses were neutralized.
The Purpose of This Letter
What is significant about this letter is the fact that this is written more like a friend than an apostle. The definition of an apostle is an envoy, ambassador, or messenger commissioned to carry out the instructions of the person, nation or organization that commissioned them. In Paul’s case commissioned by God to carry out the instructions of Christ. In other words he had the authority of Christ behind him.
Philemon 1:1 (NKJV) Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,
Of the 13 letters Paul wrote to churches or individuals, in 9 of them he called himself an apostle in the opening verse.
Romans 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.
1 Corinthians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes.
Galatians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
Even Timothy and Titus who he called, if you remember from our studies of those letters, he called his sons.
1 Timothy 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
Titus 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
Paul was wise enough to know when and how to use this authority.
In this letter (along with Philippians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians), Paul appealed to his readers in ways other than as an apostle.
Philippians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Timothy and Titus are similar to Philemon in that they are addressed to an individual but their content suggests that they were intended to be shared with the entire congregation. Philemon really is a personal note written by Paul to one man.
Philemon 1-7 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved coworker,2 and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Paul expands on his greeting by states that he knows that Philemon is in the faith, and that this is evidenced by his love for the brethren.
Who wrote this letter? (1:1)
Paul
To whom was this letter written? (1:1)
Philemon a wealthy believer who was a member of the church that Paul founded in Colosse
What do we know about the church from this brief introduction? (1:2)
The church probably met in Philemon’s home. Some people believe that Apphia was his wife and Archippas his son. Nevertheless the church met in a home and most of the early churches did.
What two godly qualities did Paul desire for his readers? (1:3)
Paul want grace and peace for his readers.
What was always a part of Paul’s prayers? (1:4)
Thanksgiving was always a part of Paul’s prayers especially when he mentioned Philemon.
What had Paul heard about the reader of this letter? (1:5)
He had heard about his faith and his love for his brothers and sisters.
How did he hear about this?
From Epaphras (Ep_af_ras’) who had visited Paul in prison and told Paul about the young church that was at Colossae. We learned that in our study of Colossians last year.
Colossians 4:12 (NLT) Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.
Colossians 1:7 (NLT) You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved coworker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.
How did Paul pray for his audience? (1:6)
He prayed that Philemon's ministry become energized by his apprehension and knowledge of Christian love and truth.
What had Philemon done for Paul and the other Christians in the region? (1:7)
Paul thanked God for Philemon because of his love and faith - first towards Jesus and then towards all the saints. The word "saints" in the New Testament describes every true Christian, not just a few exceptional Christians.
This is the foundation for all effective evangelism: the overflow of a life touched and changed by God. God had done every good thing in the life of Philemon. Now, it was a matter of it being acknowledged by both Philemon and those he shared the faith with. When these good things were understood, others would come to Jesus. The reason why some sharing of the faith in not effective is because we don't know or can't communicate every good thing God has done for us.
It is possible that Paul means the sharing of material things, prompted by faith.
The apostle speaks here of the works of charity in which Philemon abounded toward poor Christians." (Clarke)
Paul remembered how wonderfully Philemon had met the needs of other Christians. He effectively refreshed the hearts of others.
Philemon 1:8-11 (NLT)8 That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in thefaith while here in prison.11 Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.
Since Philemon is in the faith and he understands that he is to have love for the brethren, which now includes Onesimus, Paul was in a good position to command and appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus.
What type of attitude did Paul project toward Philemon? (1:8-9)
Paul didn’t exercise authority like a superior to his subjects. He didn’t manipulate either. Yes he is bold to command what is fitting but if he would do this it wouldn’t be for “love’s sake” and it is LOVE that matters. What he is doing, for love’s sake, because it is love that matters, is to appeal – not to command, dictate or manipulate.
He was bold in asking a favor that he could demand that Philemon grant. He was making a loving appeal. A loving appeal is often better than an authoritative command. Paul wasn't hesitant to command when the situation demanded it but in wisdom he knew when to use the loving appeal.
One instance where he used his authority as an apostle was in;
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 (NLT)1 I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.2 You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.3 Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man4 in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.5 Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.
This was the instance in Corinth where one of the members of the church was having an immoral affair with his stepmother. This was not only forbidden by the law of Moses, because it was fornication and insest,
Leviticus 18:8 (NLT) “Do not have sexual relations with any of your father’s wives, for this would violate your father.
it was also forbidden by Roman law.
In his position as an apostle Paul ordered or commanded the Corinthians to put this man out of the fellowship.
In the case of Philemon, however, although he had authority in the church to require members of the body of Christ to do things he is writing to Philemon as a friend. In fact he even says in the letter that he can order Philemon but he won’t he appealing to him as a friend.
How did Paul describe himself? (1:9)
He described himself as an old man and a prisoner. He wasn’t looking for pity but just describing his current situation.
Who is the subject of Paul’s appeal to Philemon? (1:10)
Philemon’s slave Onesimus whom Paul describes as now his son in the gospel.
It was logical that Onesimus escaped to Rome, the biggest city of the Roman Empire. Lightfoot says, "Rome was the natural cesspool for these offscourings of humanity." But at his providential meeting of Paul in Rome, Onesimus met the man who had led his master Philemon to Jesus (Philemon 19).
When Paul spoke of Onesimus being unprofitable and profitable, he made a play on a word. By the way the name Onesimus means profitable, useful. Now that he was a Christian, Onesimus could live up to his name
Philemon 1:12-14 (NLT)12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.
Paul expresses in his letter to Philemon his love and appreciation for Onesimus. Paul states that he wishes to keep Onesimus for himself but he is compelled to do the right thing. Such statements by Paul elevated Onesimus to the position of being useful to the apostle Paul himself.
What was Paul’s motivation for sending Onesimus back to Philemon when Paul could have used him as a helper? (1:12-14)
Paul wanted to correct a wrong. Onesimus was a slave and had escaped and although slavery is a cruel institution Onesimus had broken the Roman law.
As an apostle, Paul knew that he carried great authority and importance in the church so he had to do what was right at that time and the right thing was to send Onesimus back.
Onesimus had done something wrong in that he escaped from his master. It was time to set that right, so Paul was willing to send him back. Yet Paul obviously wanted Philemon to deal gently with Onesimus. Under Roman law the slave owner had complete and total control over his slave. It wasn't unusual for slaves to be crucified for lesser offenses than escaping.
Remember what I said at the beginning; the New Testament does not condemn slavery, nor does it record the church going through political channels to outlaw the practice of slavery. Had these avenues been pursued, the message of the gospel would have been confused with social reform. Instead, first century Christianity undermined the evils of slavery by teaching slaves and masters the gospel, and encouraging them to live a life worthy of the gospel. Where this is done, slavery’s abuses were neutralized.
Philemon 1:15-16 (NLT)15 It seems Onesimus ran away for a little while so that you could have him back forever.16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
Paul continues to elevate Onesimus by stating that his return did not constitute a mere slave returning to his master, but a Christian brother reuniting with a fellow Christian (Philemon).
Clearly, Paul wanted Onesimus to stay
- First, if Onesimus stayed he could serve Paul on your behalf. "Philemon, if you leave Onesimus with me, it's like you serving me, because Onesimus is your rightful servant."
- Secondly, if Onesimus stayed he helped a man in chains. "Philemon, I know Onesimus might be of some use to you. Yet I am in chains, and need all the help I can get."
- Thirdly, if Onesimus stayed he helped man in chains for the gospel. "Philemon, please don't forget why I am here in chain
The statement in verse 15 could mean, that Paul is saying, it seems to me that God is working in unusual ways here. This way you can receive him back forever, not as a slave but as a brother.
This breaking of the distinction between master and slave was an absolutely revolutionary development. It did far more to change society than the passing of a law prohibiting slavery.
"What the letter to Philemon does is to bring the institution into an atmosphere where it could only wilt and die. Where master and slave were united in affection as brothers in Christ, formal emancipation would be but a matter of expediency, the legal confirmation of their new relationship." (Bruce)
Philemon 1:17 (NLT) So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
Paul elevates Onesimus even more by telling Philemon to accept Onesimus as a partner in the gospel ministry even as he (Philemon) accepts the apostle (Paul) himself as a partner.
How did Paul want Philemon to greet Onesimus when he returned? (1:17)
Like he would greet Paul. Like a brother in Christ.
Philemon 1:18-20 (NLT)18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.19 I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!20 Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
These verses contain the main theme of the epistle. Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and if he owes anything the apostle (Paul) would pay the debt. In the next sentence, Paul reminds Philemon about the spiritual debt of sin that was forgiven him, because Paul himself brought the gospel to him. Philemon’s debt of sin is infinitely greater than any amount of money Onesimus took.
To what level was Paul willing to be involved in the reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus? (1:18-19)
He would pay any debt that Onesimus owed.
Of what debt did Paul remind Philemon? (1:19)
He reminded Philemon that it was him that brought the message of the gospel to him which resulted in salvation and the forgiveness of Philemon’s sin which is for more valuable than anything that Onesimus could possibly owe.
What response from Philemon did Paul anticipate? (1:20-21) Why?
He anticipated that he would do him this favor because it would encourage him. Earlier in the letter, Paul said that Philemon was a man who refreshed the heart of the saints
Philemon 1:7 (NLT) Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Philemon 1:21-22 (NLT)21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!22 One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
Paul assures Philemon that he has confidence in him that he will carry out the apostle’s wishes. Paul also states that his instructions concerning Philemon are the minimum requirements. In verse 21 Paul says, I know that you will do even more than I say.
This showed the close relationship between Paul and Philemon. Paul knew that hospitality always waited for him at Philemon's home.
For what future event did Paul hope? (1:22)
Philemon 1:23-25 (NLT)23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Each of these names is also mentioned in the conclusion of the letter to the Colossians. This confirms that the two letters went to the same place. Philemon lived in Colosse.
Colossians 4:10-18 (NLT)10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way.11 Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!12 Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.13 I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas.15 Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.16 After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”18 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.
Listing Mark’s name here would serve to remind Philemon that Paul himself had worked through the issues of forgiveness, and that the instructions he was passing on to his friend were ones the apostle himself had already implemented in his relationship with John Mark.”
We see some enduring principles from Paul's letter to Philemon.
- Paul never called for an overthrow of the system of slavery, yet the principles in the letter to Philemon destroy slavery. The greatest social changes come when people are changed, one heart at a time. In our society, racism and our low regard for the unborn cannot be eliminated by laws; a change of heart must occur.
- Onesimus was obligated to return to his master. When we do something wrong, we must do our best to set it right. Being made a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) does not end our responsibility to make restitution; it increases our obligation, even when restitution is difficult.
- Onesimus was morally responsible for his wrongs. The letter to Philemon demonstrates that we are not primarily directed by economics. Whether rich or poor, we are to be directed by the Spirit of God, not our economic status.
Why is the letter to Philemon in our Bibles?
An early church leader called Ignatius wrote many letters. In one letter, he refers to someone called Onesimus. He describes this Onesimus as the Bishop of Ephesus. (A bishop is the leader of the church or churches in a certain area.) Ignatius’s letter is not in the New Testament. But many scholars believe that this Onesimus and the Onesimus in Paul’s letter are the same person. If this is true, then Onesimus’s life changed completely because of Paul’s letter. Onesimus was a slave. He had run away. A judge should have punished him. Instead, Onesimus received mercy. (Mercy means that someone is kind when he or she does not have to be kind.) Onesimus developed to become a church leader.This is not certain fact. But many *scholars have this opinion about this letter. Maybe that is why such a private letter is in the Bible.There is another opinion. Some scholars think that Onesimus collected Paul’s letters together. He decided to include the letter about himself. This is also possible. But there is no evidence that Onesimus did this. We cannot prove it.
In A.D. 110, the bishop of Ephesus was named Onesimus, and it could have been this same man. If Onesimus was in his late teens or early twenties when Paul wrote this letter, he would then be about 70 years old in A.D. 110 and that was not an unreasonable age for a bishop in those days.
What this letter means for us
Onesimus has done wrong things. In his culture, this deserved serious punishment. Paul reminds Philemon that we all have done wrong things. But God has saved us from punishment. He has accepted us into his family. God has accepted Philemon. Therefore Paul says that Philemon must accept Onesimus. Philemon must free Onesimus. Then Onesimus can serve God. And Onesimus can be ‘useful’ to God.
We have all sinned. We have not done all that God wants us to do. God wants us to turn away from our sins. He wants us to serve him, so that his plans will happen for us.
We should forgive other people when they repent. We must encourage them to serve God in their lives. This may not be easy for us. There may be a cost to us because of it. This is not a cost in money, but it is a cost in other things. However, God paid the price for us. He did not pay the price in money. But he paid it when he sent Jesus. He sent Jesus to die for us. So, when we forgive other people, we should accept the cost to us. God loves us. By his grace, he has forgiven us. So, because of this, we should forgive other people.
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