The thoughts and note material given on these pages are only a possible suggestion of the meaning, they must not be taken as inspired, however they are prayerfully prepared and compared with other similar material. There are many ways in which God’s Word can be analyzed and none must be taken in place of the Word of God itself.

Letter to Philemon

WRITER. This is a personal letter from Paul, written to Philemon, the owner of the slave Onesimus who had escaped from his master and had then become a Believer and good friend of Paul as a result of Paul’s ministry.

Though this is basically a personal letter to Philemon others were included in the address, Apphia, Archippus and the local church, which were obviously meeting in the house of Philemon.
Philemon, was an inhabitant of Colossae. It is evident, from Philemon 1:19 that he became a Believer through Paul’s ministry. The church was meeting in his house, Philemon 1:2, and it appears that he was involved in many works of charity, and caring for Christians who had visited Colossae. See Philemon 1:5-7.
It is not clear if Philemon had an office in the church, all we are told is that his house and position were consecrated to God, his church, and the poor.

The relationship of masters and slaves were important in the early church so the thoughts expressed by Paul to Philemon would have applied to many churches. Col 4:1.
Paul, the apostle, gives instruction concerning the relationships of believing masters and their slaves, whether the slaves were believers or not. Under Christ there is a complete new system of earthly relationships, Romans 3:9ff; Col 3:11. Paul does not make any direct instructions on slavery, but over time the Christian faith has come to view it wrong.
See also Col 4:7-10.

Introduction. verses 1-3

Thanks and praise. verse 4-7

Paul makes an appeal for Onesimus. verse 8-21

Conclusions. verses 22-25