philemon_lesson1

Lesson 1: Introduction to Philemon and Initial Greeting

Lesson 1: Introduction to Philemon and Initial Greeting

Philemon 1:1-7 — study notes

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7 (ESV)

1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker

2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,

5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

1) Introduction

The letter to Philemon reminds us that God's Word is personal. Philemon is not about doctrine, but a real manifestation of the love of God, forgiveness in Christ, and ultimate reconciliation. It is also a plea and request from Paul — from one man to another. A very personal letter.

  1. Paul wrote this letter from Rome while on house arrest. He also wrote Ephesians and Colossians during this same period. He sent this letter with Tychicus, and sent Onesimus with him.
  2. Philemon was a wealthy man who lived in Colossae, and was a convert of Paul during Paul's ministry in Ephesus.

2) Christianity Is About Reconciliation

Christianity is the permanent reconciliation of those who were formerly separated by one cause or another. They are now brought together in Christ.

  1. Philemon and Onesimus — once separated — were united again, no longer as slave and owner, but as loving brethren in Christ.
  2. This letter gives some light on Paul's attitude toward slavery.
  3. Onesimus was a slave owned by Philemon who had escaped and reached Rome, where Paul was imprisoned. Somehow he had come to know and be converted to Christ under Paul's ministry.

3) Paul's Initial Greeting (Philemon 1:1-3)

Paul writes a personal letter to Philemon, with a warm introduction.

  1. He first writes about his friendship with Philemon.
  2. He also acknowledges Philemon's faith and faithfulness to God.

4) Philemon: A Great Man and Servant of Christ (Philemon 1:4-7)

Paul gives thanks to God for Philemon — the man and his ministry.

  1. He speaks about Philemon's love and faith, and how he has done many things for the Kingdom.
  2. Philemon had used his wealth to share the Gospel and to help his fellow Christians.

5) Three Key Questions in the Letter to Philemon

We must keep these three key questions in mind as we study this book. They will help us understand this personal letter.

  1. What is Paul's request to Philemon?
  2. Was his request granted?
  3. Why was this letter preserved and included in the canon (the collection of sacred texts included in the Bible) of the New Testament?