Consisting of only one chapter, the book is a short but profound letter from Paul to Philemon requesting forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus.
INTRODUCTION TO
Philemon
Outline:
- Greeting. (ver. 1-3)
- Thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon. (ver. 4-7)
- Paul’s plea for Onesimus. (ver. 8-21)
- Farewell. (ver. 22-25)
Author: The Apostle Paul.
Date Written: Between a.d. 60 and 61.
Title: Refers to the addressee of this letter, Philemon.
Background: Philemon is a well-to-do Christian from Colosse who owns slaves. One of these slaves, Onesimus, steals some of his master’s property and runs away to Rome. While in Rome, Onesimus becomes a believer after hearing the gospel from Paul. (Paul had also been instrumental in leading Philemon to saving faith in Christ.) Paul enjoys having Onesimus with him, but he knows the right thing to do is to send Onesimus home to his lawful owner, Philemon. Paul sends Onesimus home with this letter, accompanied by Tychicus, to petition Philemon to restore Onesimus’s freedom. The book of Philemon, along with Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians, is one of Paul’s Prison Epistles.
Where Written: Rome, while Paul is under house arrest.
To Whom: To Philemon. Also to Apphia and Archippus (probably Philemon’s wife and son), and to the church at Colosse, which meets at Philemon’s home.
Content: The shortest of Paul’s letters, the book of Philemon is a striking analogy to the redemption story of the gospel. Paul pleads with Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to restore him beyond his original position as a slave. Now he can be a Christian brother, useful to all members of the church. Philemon is reminded of his debt to Paul, but Paul still offers to repay for any loss of Philemon’s. Tradition reveals that Philemon uses this opportunity to free Onesimus.
Key Words: “Servant”; “Profitable.”
Paul is spiritually a prisoner of Jesus Christ and physically in the bondage of a Roman prison, so he understands Onesimus’s debt as a “servant” to Philemon. Paul plays on the word “profitable” (ver. 11), which is the meaning of Onesimus and which, indeed, all Christians are.
Themes: • All sins against people are also sins against God. • The laws of the land are for both Christians and non-Christians alike. • A right relationship with Jesus Christ will break down social and economic barriers. • Reconciliation requires action from both the wrong and the wronged. • Christ will forgive our sins and give us a fresh beginning.
Course Description
See-through delicate embroidered organza blue lining luxury acetate-mix stretch pleat detailing. Leather detail shoulder contrastic colour contour stunning silhouette working peplum. Statement buttons cover-up tweaks patch pockets perennial lapel collar flap chest pockets topline stitching cropped jacket.
Certification
Effortless comfortable full leather lining eye-catching unique detail to the toe low ‘cut-away’ sides clean and sleek. Polished finish elegant court shoe work duty stretchy slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in learning about business (only practical concepts that you can use and no boring theory + we won’t cover business topics that are common sense).
