The Book of Philemon

Summary of the Book of Philemon

This summary of the book of Philemon provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Philemon.

Author, Date and Place of Writing

Paul wrote this short letter (see vv. 1,9,19) probably at the same time as Colossians (c. a.d. 60; see Introduction to Colossians: Author, Date and Place of Writing) and sent it to Colosse with the same travelers, Onesimus and Tychicus. He apparently wrote both letters from prison in Rome, though possibly from Ephesus (see Introduction to Philippians: Author, Date and Place of Writing; see also chart, p. 2261).

Recipient, Background and Purpose

Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, a believer in Colosse who, along with others, was a slave owner (cf. Col 4:1; for slavery in the NT see note on Eph 6:5). One of his slaves, Onesimus, had apparently stolen from him (cf. v. 18) and then run away, which under Roman law was punishable by death. But Onesimus met Paul and through his ministry became a Christian (see v. 10). Now he was willing to return to his master, and Paul writes this personal appeal to ask that he be accepted as a Christian brother (see v. 16).

Approach and Structure

To win Philemon's willing acceptance of Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with a wordplay (see note on v. 11). The appeal (vv. 4-21) is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport (vv. 4-10), to persuade the mind (vv. 11-19) and to move the emotions (vv. 20-21). The name Onesimus is not mentioned until the rapport has been built (v. 10), and the appeal itself is stated only near the end of the section to persuade the mind (v. 17).

Outline

• Greetings (1:1) -- (1:3)
• Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:4) -- (1:7)
• Paul's Plea for Onesimus (1:8) -- (1:21)
• Final Request, Greetings and Benediction (1:22) -- (1:25)

Chapter1

1 This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, 

2 and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. 

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 

4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 

5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 

6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 

7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. 

8That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. 

10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. 

11 Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.

12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. 

13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 

14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 

15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 

16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. 

17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 

18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. 

19 I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL !

20 Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. 

21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!

22 One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. 

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. 

24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. 

25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Proverbs 15 NLT

1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 

2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 

3The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. 

4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 

5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 

6 There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble. 

7 The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. 

8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. 

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. 

10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. 

11 Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD . How much more does he know the human heart!

12 Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. 

13 A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. 

14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. 

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. 

17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

18 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them. 

19 A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway. 

20Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother. 

21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. 

22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. 

23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! 

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind. 

25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.

26 The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words. 

27 Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live. 

28 The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. 

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. 

31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. 

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. 

33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

Outline

• Greetings (1:1-4)
• Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
  • Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
  • Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
• Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
• Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
  • The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
  • The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
  • The Duty of Titus (2:15)
• Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
  • Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
  • Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
• Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
• Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 3 NLT

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 

2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. 

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 

4 But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 

5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 

6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. 

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. 

9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. 

10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 

11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. 

12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. 

13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. 

14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. 

15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all.

Proverbs 14 NLT

1 A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. 

2 Those who follow the right path fear the LORD ; those who take the wrong path despise him. 

3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. 

4 Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. 

5 An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies. 

6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. 

7 Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips. 

8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.

9 Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy. 

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 

13 Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. 

14 Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward. 

15 Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. 

16 The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 

17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated. 

18 Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 

19 Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly. 

20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” 

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. 

22 If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. 

23 Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! 

24 Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 

25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor. 

26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. 

27 Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

28 A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing. 

29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. 

30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. 

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

32 The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die. 

33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. 

34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 

35 A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.