Colossians + Philemon | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

PHILEMON 1

PAUL PLEADS FOR PHILEMON TO RECONCILE WITH ONESIMUS

Paul begins his letter to Philemon by expressing his love and gratitude. Paul thanks God for Philemon and asks God to make him increasingly more effective and knowledgeable. Emphasizing their personal relationship, Paul states that he has derived great joy and comfort from Philemon.

Although Paul has the authority to demand obedience from Philemon, Paul humbly presents his desires as a request or plea. Paul asks Philemon to free Onesimus and receive him as family. Because Philemon and Onesimus both follow Jesus, Paul considers them brothers in faith and wants Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus. Paul’s request involves more than freeing a slave, he wants Philemon to consider Onesimus as family.

Throughout the book, Paul serves as a symbol of Christ, acting as the mediator between sin and righteousness. Paul tells Philemon that he will take on any payment or charge that Onesimus owes him, paying the cost of a wrongdoing that he did not commit. Because Paul paid the price, Onesimus could return to Philemon in right standing.

Without explicit direction, Paul urges Philemon to exhibit the forgiveness and mercy he has been shown by Christ. Confident in Philemon’s obedience, Paul trusts that Philemon will provide even more grace and forgiveness than Paul has asked of him.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How did Paul describe his feelings towards Philemon and the Colossians (v.4-7)?

Paul had the authority to demand Philemon’s obedience, but instead he appealed to him in love. What does this say about Paul’s character (v.9-10)?

Where did Philemon live? How does Colossians 3:11 relate directly to the book of Philemon?

Use a Study Bible or internet search to find the meaning of the name Onesimus. How did Paul describe Onesimus in verse 11?

Besides writing this letter, what else did Paul do for Onesimus to help reconcile him to Philemon (v.18-19)?

How did Paul ask Philemon to follow Christ’s example? How did Paul follow Christ’s example on behalf of Onesimus?

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