Philemon 1
BSB1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. 7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. 8 So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper, 9 I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well. 10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. 15 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22 In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Study Notes — Philemon 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Philemon 1
- Themes from Philemon 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Philemon 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Philemon chapter 1 begins with Paul's greeting to Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, and the church that meets in their home (Philemon 1:1-3). Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon's love and faith, and his joy in hearing about Philemon's faithfulness to the Lord (Philemon 1:4-7). Paul then appeals to Philemon to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a believer in Christ (Philemon 1:8-21). Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and to charge any debt that Onesimus owes to Paul's account (Philemon 1:17-19). The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of confidence in Philemon's obedience, and his hope to visit Philemon soon (Philemon 1:21-25).
Context for the Chapter
Philemon chapter 1 is a letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a Christian brother, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The letter is part of the New Testament canon, and is included in the collection of Paul's letters to the churches. The chapter is significant because it provides insight into the early Christian community, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of believers. The chapter also highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us, and to treat one another with love, kindness, and compassion. As we reflect on Paul's appeal to Philemon, we are reminded of the importance of reconciling relationships and of treating others with the same love and kindness that we would want for ourselves.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Philemon chapter 1 is about a man named Onesimus who ran away from his master Philemon, but then became a Christian. The apostle Paul is asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. This chapter teaches us about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of believers. As Paul writes, 'So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me' (Philemon 1:17).
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is a great leveller, it puts all men on the same footing, and makes them all brothers and sisters in Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, and is essential for maintaining the unity and fellowship of the church.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greeting (Philemon 1:1-3) — Paul greets Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, and the church that meets in their home.
- Thanksgiving and Prayer (Philemon 1:4-7) — Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon's love and faith, and his joy in hearing about Philemon's faithfulness to the Lord.
- Paul's Appeal to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-21) — Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a believer in Christ.
- Paul's Confidence in Philemon (Philemon 1:21-22) — Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon's obedience, and his hope to visit Philemon soon.
- Conclusion and Final Greetings (Philemon 1:23-25) — Paul concludes the letter with a final greeting, and sends greetings from his fellow workers.
Core Doctrines
- Forgiveness
- The chapter teaches that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, and is essential for maintaining the unity and fellowship of the church.
- Reconciliation
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of reconciling relationships, and of treating others with love, kindness, and compassion.
- The Power of the Gospel
- The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers.
- Christian Brotherhood
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of Christian brotherhood, and of treating one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lessons from Philemon 1
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining the unity and fellowship of the church.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers.
- Reconciling Relationships — The chapter emphasizes the importance of reconciling relationships, and of treating others with love, kindness, and compassion.
- Christian Brotherhood — The chapter emphasizes the importance of Christian brotherhood, and of treating one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Applying the Principles — The chapter encourages believers to apply the principles of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian brotherhood in their own lives.
Themes from Philemon 1
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation — The chapter teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining the unity and fellowship of the church, and that reconciling relationships is important for believers.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers.
- Christian Brotherhood — The chapter emphasizes the importance of Christian brotherhood, and of treating one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Love and Kindness — The chapter teaches that believers should treat one another with love, kindness, and compassion.
- Application and Obedience — The chapter encourages believers to apply the principles of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian brotherhood in their own lives, and to obey God's commands.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of forgiveness in the lives of believers?
- How does the gospel transform lives and create a new family of believers?
- What does the chapter say about the importance of reconciling relationships?
- How can we apply the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of Christian brotherhood and treating one another with love and kindness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greeting (Philemon 1:1-3)
| 1:1 | Paul greets Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, and the church that meets in their home. |
| 1:2 | Paul sends greetings from Timothy, and expresses his gratitude for Philemon's love and faith. |
2. Thanksgiving and Prayer (Philemon 1:4-7)
| 1:4 | Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon's love and faith, and his joy in hearing about Philemon's faithfulness to the Lord. |
| 1:5 | Paul prays that Philemon's love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. |
3. Paul's Appeal to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-21)
| 1:8 | Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a believer in Christ. |
| 1:10 | Paul writes that he has begotten Onesimus in his imprisonment, and is sending him back to Philemon. |
| 1:17 | Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and to charge any debt that Onesimus owes to Paul's account. |
4. Paul's Confidence in Philemon (Philemon 1:21-22)
| 1:21 | Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon's obedience, and his hope to visit Philemon soon. |
| 1:22 | Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room for him, as he hopes to be released from prison soon. |
5. Conclusion and Final Greetings (Philemon 1:23-25)
| 1:23 | Paul sends greetings from Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who are his fellow workers. |
| 1:24 | Paul concludes the letter with a final greeting, and a blessing from the Lord Jesus Christ. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Philemon chapter 1?
The main theme of Philemon chapter 1 is the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of believers, as seen in Paul's appeal to Philemon to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus (Philemon 1:8-21).
Who is Onesimus, and why is he important to the chapter?
Onesimus is a runaway slave who had become a believer in Christ, and is the subject of Paul's appeal to Philemon to forgive him and welcome him back as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10-17).
What does the chapter teach about the power of the gospel?
The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers, as seen in the example of Onesimus, who had become a believer in Christ (Philemon 1:10).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philemon 1:1 → Romans 16:5 | Both passages greet a church that meets in a home, highlighting the importance of hospitality and community in the early Christian church. |
| 2 | Philemon 1:8 → Matthew 18:21-22 | Both passages emphasize the importance of forgiveness, with Paul appealing to Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and Jesus teaching about the need to forgive others in order to be forgiven by God. |
| 3 | Philemon 1:10 → John 1:12-13 | Both passages highlight the power of the gospel to transform lives, with Onesimus becoming a believer in Christ, and Jesus giving the right to become children of God to those who believe in him. |
| 4 | Philemon 1:17 → Galatians 3:28 | Both passages emphasize the equality and unity of believers in Christ, with Paul asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and the Galatians passage stating that there is neither slave nor free in Christ. |
| 5 | Philemon 1:21 → 2 Timothy 4:9 | Both passages express confidence in the obedience of fellow believers, with Paul expressing confidence in Philemon's obedience, and Timothy being exhorted to come to Paul soon. |
| 6 | Philemon 1:1 → Acts 2:42-47 | Both passages describe the early Christian community, with Philemon greeting a church that meets in a home, and the Acts passage describing the community of believers in Jerusalem. |
| 7 | Philemon 1:8 → Colossians 1:24 | Both passages emphasize the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, with Paul appealing to Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and the Colossians passage describing the reconciliation of all things to God through Christ. |
| 8 | Philemon 1:10 → Ephesians 2:14-16 | Both passages highlight the power of the gospel to break down barriers and create a new family of believers, with Onesimus becoming a believer in Christ, and the Ephesians passage describing the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. |
| 9 | Philemon 1:17 → 1 Corinthians 12:13 | Both passages emphasize the unity and equality of believers in Christ, with Paul asking Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and the 1 Corinthians passage stating that all believers are baptized into one body. |
| 10 | Philemon 1:21 → Philippians 2:20-21 | Both passages express confidence in the obedience of fellow believers, with Paul expressing confidence in Philemon's obedience, and Timothy being commended for his faithfulness to the Lord. |
Sermons on Philemon 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Running From Church to Find God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of the Holy Ghost and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. He prays for God's guidance and asks fo |
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Beatitudes - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman named Mrs. Crook who shares some distressing news. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and trustin |
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(Through the Bible) Titus by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. He highlights that this hope is based on the promise of God, who ca |
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(Through the Bible) Philemon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when we only see a part of the picture and cry out in dismay. He uses the example of Joseph an |
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(Come Up Higher) the Place of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that as believers, we have a choice to make each day. We are not capable of making someone spiritual or taking them to heaven, but w |
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Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
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Addressing the Curse of Poverty - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who have experienced the power of kindness and compassion in their lives. He emphasizes the importance of showing God's gl |
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Gospel of Luke I by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although there are four evangelists who present the gospel in the Bible, they are |
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Justification - Part 1 by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God justifying the ungodly. He emphasizes that sin is defiling and exceedingly sinful, using examples like Augustine's convers |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Philemon 1
In Philemon chapter 1, Matthew Henry comments on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of believers. Henry notes that Paul's appeal to Philemon to forgive Onesimus is an example of the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers. Henry also emphasizes the importance of Christian brotherhood, and of treating one another with love, kindness, and compassion. As Henry writes, 'The gospel is a great leveller, it puts all men on the same footing, and makes them all brothers and sisters in Christ.' The chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us, and of treating others with the same love and kindness that we would want for ourselves. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Affection for Philemon
Paul's greeting to Philemon is warm and affectionate, indicating a close relationship between the two men. Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon's love and faith, and his joy in hearing about Philemon's faithfulness to the Lord.
The Power of the Gospel
The chapter highlights the power of the gospel to transform lives and create a new family of believers. Onesimus, a runaway slave, has become a brother in Christ, and Paul is appealing to Philemon to welcome him back as such.
The Importance of Forgiveness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us. Paul is asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus, not just for Onesimus' sake, but for the sake of their relationship and the sake of the gospel.