The Life & Teaching of Paul

Paul’s Letter to Philemon

Philemon

Christopher W. Martin © 2019

Introduction

The Setting

The Recipient: Philemon – a wealthy Greek Christian landowner from Colossae.

The Subject: Onesimus – Philemon’s runaway slave, who was also a Christian, and a thief. 

The Historical Background of Slavery in Rome in 61-62 A.D. 

The Character of Philemon (v. 1-7) (Paul’s Praise – Looking Back)

His Family (v.1-3)

His Praise (v. 4-7)

A Note on the Historical Attack on Paul:

The Conversion of Onesimus (v.8-17) (Paul’s Plea – Looking Within) 

v. 11: “Onesimus” means “useful.” 

The “Advocacy Clause” in Roman Law

The Confidence of Paul (v. 18-21) (Paul’s Promise: Looking Beyond) 

Life Lessons

Everyone is, or has been, a ___________. 

Our guilt was great, our penalty severe, but __________ brought us a ____________. 

A life in Christ changes _______  _____________. 

Social evils, like slavery, can be changed by ________________ lives through _________. 

The “Rest of the Story”

Colossians 4:9

The Letter of Ignatius to the Church at Ephesus

The First Century project by the Church of Ephesus