Philemon

📘 New Testament

🗺️ Overview

Philemon is a short, personal letter from Paul to a Christian named Philemon regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a believer. Paul appeals for Onesimus to be received not as a slave but as a beloved brother, modeling the gospel’s power to transform relationships.

💡 Philemon calls believers to embody the gospel by practicing radical forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. In Christ, earthly status is transformed into spiritual family, and we are called to treat one another accordingly.

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Notes

Insights into the cultural, historical, or geographical background of the book.

📊 Book at a Glance

📝 Author
Paul the Apostle
📅 Date
c. AD 60–62
📖 Chapters
1
🏷️ Genre
Epistle
📍 Location
Written by Paul from prison, likely in Rome, addressed to Philemon in Colossae
🧵 Main Themes
The transforming power of the gospel, Reconciliation and brotherhood in Christ, Appealing to love over obligation, Forgiveness and restoration, Christian identity beyond social status

📚 Outline

📖 Key Stories

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus (Philemon 1–16)

Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, now a Christian, not as a slave but as a beloved brother.

Charge It to My Account (Philemon 17–19)

Paul offers to cover any debt Onesimus owes, reflecting Christ’s own atoning sacrifice.

👤 Key Figures

🔍 Christ Connections

How this book anticipates or reflects the person and work of Christ.

🧠 Key Verses

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.Philemon 4–5
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.Philemon 7
Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.Philemon 20

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