The Bible Study Reading PlanSample

PHILEMON

AUTHOR:

The author of this letter to Philemon was the apostle Paul.

DATE:
Paul wrote to Philemon at the same time as Ephesians and Colossians around AD 60 to 61, during his Roman imprisonment.

AUDIENCE:

The letter to Philemon was obviously written to Philemon, but Paul also includes Apphia, Archippus, and their house church in Colossae in order to hold Philemon acccountable for the content of the letter.

REASON:

Paul wrote as an appeal for Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and to show that he was now useful in sharing the gospel.

THEME:

Forgiveness, Equality, and Reconciliation in Christ.

KEY VERSE:
"I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment" (10 ESV)

SPLIT:

Introduction (1-3), Praise for Philemon (4-7), Plea for Onesimus (8-20), Purpose (21-25)

KEY WORDS:

Slave, Receive, Appeal, Love