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Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Explore the historical context and significance of Paul's letter to Philemon, focusing on the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian love in the context of Roman slavery. Discover the powerful message of grace and compassion in this biblical passage.

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Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

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  1. Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

  2. Foundations for an Appeal Philemon 1-9 The Salutation - verse 1-3 Author & Timing: Written by Paul at the same time as Ephesians and Colossians ~ A.D. 61 or 62 Tychicus is not mentioned but is probably the one that carried the letter

  3. Recipients Philemon 1-2 Philemon - “beloved” - they probably met and become close while Paul was in Ephesus. A “fellow worker” with at least some important ministry in the church that met at his home Apphia - a “sister” - a believer who is probably Philemon’s wife

  4. Recipients Philemon 1-2 Archippus - a “fellow soldier” - the same one Paul had encouraged in ministry in Colossians 4 He may have been Philemon’s son, and a leader in the church. Paul identified with his ministry. The church at Philemon’s house - Paul’s plea to Philemon would also be a plea to them

  5. Greeting Philemon 3 A simple wish for God’s blessing and peace to be upon them. The deity of Jesus is affirmed as the one joined with the Father in giving grace and peace

  6. The Purpose of the LetterPhilemon 4-25 Paul is making an appeal to Philemon to accept back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a Christian brother

  7. Flight & Conversion Onesimus fled from his master & may have stolen things from him - vs. 18 He went to Rome, where by some means met Paul He heard the gospel, was converted and become dear & useful to Paul He was voluntarily going back to Philemon, his master

  8. Roman Slavery Slavery was crucial to the Roman economy and common in daily social life Slaves made up between 25-40% of the population

  9. Roman Slavery Sources of slaves included: Wars of conquest; Kidnap victims of slave traders; Children born to slaves Selling oneself or a relative to pay off debt - or better one’s position

  10. Roman Slavery A slave could be in an equal to or even better economic condition compared to a non-citizen free man Capable slaves might be educated and gain kills in business, trade, medicine or even the arts Manumission was common – by earning or having it granted.

  11. Roman Slavery A cruel master was a slave’s greatest danger, followed by physically demanding or dangerous work. Slaves were considered chattel property and proper treatment made economic sense

  12. Roman Slavery Slaves had minimal legal rights - which could be ignored. They were subject to the whims of their master – including being beaten / scourged or even killed if the master were cruel

  13. Runaway Slaves If caught, they would be branded on the forehead and could have their joints / bones broken The master could severely scourge them or even kill them as a warning to other slaves Roman law heavily penalized non-citizens that would hide a runaway slave

  14. Runaway Slaves The Fugitivarii were professional slave catchers A Roman citizen, such as Paul, was not legally obligated to turn in a fugitive slave to a non-citizen Traveling with Tycichus protected Onesimus from slave catchers, and Paul’s letter would intervene with Philemon

  15. Paul’s Thankfulness Philemon 4-5 Paul was thankful to God about Philemon’s spiritual maturity demonstrated in love and faith Philemon’s faith in Jesus Christ generated his love for all the saints

  16. Paul’s Prayer Philemon 6 A general prayer for Philemon’s continued growth in spiritual maturity A specific prayer that Philemon will apply Christ’s example in his response to Onesimus

  17. Paul’s Joy Philemon 7 Paul was joyful because Philemon had brought emotional refreshment / rest to the saints Paul found joy & comfort in Philemon’s spiritual maturity and ministry to other people

  18. The Basis of Paul’s Appeal Philemon 8-9 Paul knew well his position and authority as an Apostle, but he refused to use that to compel Philemon Paul made his appeal strictly on the basis of love - “. . . for love’s sake I rather appeal.”

  19. Conclusions Philemon had the kind of character that all of us should want in our own lives. Paul gives the model of how mature believers should interact with each other

  20. Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

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