Forgiveness in Philemon

Recently, I taught about the topic of Forgiveness primarily using the short book of Philemon, which speaks exclusively about this subject. Rather than reprint the entire recap of my message, I chose instead to give some notes that I made about Philemon when teaching through the New Testament last year. This should give an appropriate overview of the topic and the book.

SURVEY OF THE LETTER OF PAUL TO PHILEMON

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
Section 1: The Human Author of the Book of Philemon – Paul (vv. 1, 9, 19)

Section 2: The Date and Setting of the Book of Philemon
Philemon lived in Colosse (Philemon 1-2; Colossians 4:9). He had trusted Christ as a result of Paul’s ministry (Philemon 19). Philemon’s house served as a meeting place for the church in Colosse (vv. 2, 5-7).
A servant of Philemon named Onesimus had apparently stolen from Philemon. Onesimus fled to Rome, thinking he could hide there. In Rome, however, Onesimus met Paul, who led him to Christ (v. 10). Onesimus then became a valuable helper to Paul (vv. 11, 13). Paul grew to love Onesimus (vv. 12, 16) and wanted him to stay in Rome (v. 13). However, by stealing and running away from Philemon, Onesimus had sinned against his master and broken Roman law, and Paul knew those issues had to be dealt with. Paul therefore decided that Onesimus should return to his master Philemon in Colosse (vv. 12-14).
Paul therefore wrote to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus—formerly a thief and a runaway slave—but now Philemon’s brother in Christ. Paul sent Onesimus (and the letter to Philemon) with Tychicus, who was returning to Colosse with the letter Paul wrote to the Colossians (see Colossians 4:7-9). Therefore, the original letters to the Colossians and Philemon were carried by the same person at the same time. Paul probably wrote the book of Philemon around A. D. 60-61 while he was under house arrest in Rome (see Philemon 1, 9-10, 13, 23).

Section 3: The Key Word in the Book of Philemon – Forgiveness

Section 4: The Theme and Purpose of the Book of Philemon:
The theme of the book of Philemon is the transition from bondage to brotherhood that is brought about by Christian love and forgiveness.
The purpose of the book of Philemon is to explain the current situation to Philemon and to instruct him as to how the runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a Christian, should be received back home.

Section 5: Outline of the Book of Philemon:
1. Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving for Philemon (vv. 1-7)
2. Paul’s Petition on Behalf of Onesimus (vv. 8-16)
3. Paul’s Promise to Philemon (vv. 17-25)
 
CHAPTER 2: CONTENT OF THE BOOK
Philemon 1-25
1. Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving for Philemon (vv. 1-7)
a. Introduction (1-3)
i. Author: Paul (1a)
ii. Recipient: Philemon and the church that met in his home (1b-2)
iii. Greeting: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (3).
b. Paul praises Philemon’s good character (4-7).
i. His faith in the Lord Jesus
ii. His love for all the saints
2. Paul’s Petition on Behalf of Onesimus (vv. 8-16)
a. Paul appeals to Philemon regarding Onesimus (8-11).
b. Paul declares that Onesimus is now a brother, not just a servant (12-16).
3. Paul’s Promise to Philemon (vv. 17-25)
a. Paul urges Philemon to welcome Onesimus back (17).
b. Paul promises to repay any debt that Onesimus owes to Philemon (18-21).
c. Paul declares his intention to visit Philemon soon (22).
d. Conclusion (23-25)
i. Greetings from Others (23-24)
ii. Greeting from Paul – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (25).
 
CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION TO THE BOOK
Section 1: Interesting Features from Philemon
1. The book of Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter recorded in the New Testament.
2. Paul wrote the book of Philemon in his own handwriting rather than his frequent custom of using a secretary (v. 19), perhaps due to the personal nature of the contents.
3. Paul used a great deal of tact in asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus.
4. Slavery was widespread in the Roman Empire, and an accepted part of life in that day.
5. Paul used an interesting play on words involving the name of Onesimus, which means “useful” or “profitable” (vv. 10-11).

Section 2: Truths to Apply from Philemon
1. God sovereignly brings people into contact with the gospel, the way that he did with Onesimus and Paul in Rome.
2. God changes the minds and hearts of those who have been sinned against, in addition to the minds and hearts of those who have sinned.
3. Forgiven people ought to be forgiving people.