Lesson 2: Paul's Request and Three Key Questions
Philemon 1:8-25 — study notes
Scripture: Philemon 1:8-25 (ESV)
8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,
9 yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you — I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus —
10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)
12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,
14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,
16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother — especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it — to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,
24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
1) Introduction
In this lesson we analyze Paul's request to Philemon and its implications. We also discuss the three key questions regarding the book of Philemon, and what it means for Christians today.
2) Paul's Dilemma Regarding Onesimus (Philemon 1:8-14)
Paul was requesting his friend and convert Philemon to receive back his slave Onesimus — but now as a fellow believer in Christ.
- The name Onesimus means "useful" or "profitable."
- Paul could have used his authority as an apostle, but he decided to appeal to Philemon instead — an appeal rather than an order.
- In verse 14, Philemon is given to understand what is expected of him, but the response is to be done out of his own will and grace, not compulsion.
3) God's Providence Regarding Paul's Ministry (Philemon 1:15-20)
Onesimus had become a great help to Paul — part of God's providence and will.
- Verse 15 implies that the separation may have been of God's doing, because now both Philemon and Onesimus have become believers through Paul's ministry.
- In verse 16, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a fellow believer — and perhaps to give him his freedom.
- Verse 20: Philemon has the opportunity to continue his service to God by sending Onesimus back to Paul in Rome.
4) Final Greeting (Philemon 1:21-25)
Paul finishes the letter with some final greetings.
- Paul restates his confidence that Philemon will send Onesimus back (v. 21).
- He also states his desire to visit Philemon in his town — something that (as far as we know) never happened.
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.
- What is Paul's request to Philemon?
- Was his request granted?
- Why was this letter preserved and included in the canon (the collection of sacred texts included in the Bible) of the New Testament?
6) Lessons for Us Today
- The message of the Gospel is personal — from God to you.
- We are to be known for our love and faith for Jesus and the saints.
- Pray for one another, so that the sharing of the Gospel is effective. Pray for our pastors and other Christian leaders.
- Personal friendship in Christ is very important, especially for men.