Study of
the Book of Philemon:
The Bible doesn’t happen
in a vacuum. View it the context of world history …
·
In 25
AD Han Dynasty Founded - After the death of Wang Mang, Hou Han founded
the Eastern Han Dynasty. During this dynasty, which lasted until 220, Buddhism was introduced into China.
·
In 79
AD Mount Vesuvius Explodes- The
eruption destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Most of the
cities' populations managed to flee, but 20,000 inhabitants were killed.
BASIC FACTS:
·
Written by Apostle Paul
·
It is considered one of Paul’s prison letters,
written while in Prison in Rome around 61 to 63 A.D.
·
It was written to Philemon, a leader in the
Colossian church
·
Key themes of the book are FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION.
BREAKING DOWN THE BOOK:
1)
Greeting: {Philemon 1:1-3}
a)
Paul a Prisoner (notice no mention of his
Apostleship or leadership role)
·
Paul …
·
The Missionary/Evangelist
·
Soul-winner (always bringing people to Christ)
·
Challenger
·
Exhorter
b)
Timothy, our brother
·
There was apparently a very close friendship
within this group
2)
Philemon's character: {Philemon 1:4-7}
a)
Paul saw Philemon as a man of character and faith.
b)
Paul saw him as a man willing to share his faith
c)
Paul saw
him as a pastor/church leader (church in your home)
d) He meet the qualification of I Timothy 3
3) Philemon … The Pastor/Teacher
a) The
Shepherd
b) The
Teacher
c) The
Mentor
d) The
Soul-winner
4) The others:
a) There is some debate to whom these folks
are:
·
Some believe that Apphia was Philemon’s wife,
and Archippus his son.
5) Onesimus change in character: {Philemon
1:8-20}
·
Very important note here: Onesimus was an escaped (runaway) slave that had stolen from his
master: his actions where punishable by beating and even death!
·
Onesimus had an encounter with Paul that resulted in an encounter with Christ and
the Holy Spirit, and we see II
Corinthians 5:17
a) Love’s sake Paul asked: {Philemon 1:8-9}
b)
Asked Philemon for Onesimus who has changed
because of Christ: {Philemon 1:10-13}
c) Onesimus the Christian, servant, & brother
even as Paul: {Philemon 1:14-17}
·
Wanted to except him as a Brother in Christ …
Not the slave he is:
·
Except him as a friend
d)
If Onesimus owes anything, Paul will repay since
Philemon owes Paul his Christian life: {Philemon 1:18-20}
6) Onesimus … The Convert
a) He
was brought to Christ
b) He
was taught by his pastor
c) He
was strength in his faith by his church family
7) Paul's future visit: {Philemon 1:21-22}
a) Paul wanted so bad to return to Colossi and
preach and teach
(However, he would never get the
opportunity)
8) Benediction: {Philemon 1:23-25}
Church tradition tells us that this
former slave, Onesimus, would go on to pastor the church of Ephesus that his
friend Paul had founded.
Life Application for Me today!
No matter my condition, Christ will forgive me!
No matter my activities, God can help me change them!
No matter my relationships, God can help me correct them!
