Questions

Scriptural Reflection
Philemon 1

Philemon

Philemon is believed to be written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome (around AD. 60-62) at the same time as his letters to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians. It is very likely that Philemon was a member of the Colossian church, and this letter was meant to convince him to take back his runaway slave by the name of Onesimus, who had run away as far as Rome and was converted by Paul while he was in prison. In fact, he became so close to Paul that he had become to Paul like a son and was ministering to him while he was in prison.

It is a very highly personal letter, and most believe that Philemon had heeded the appeal by Paul or this letter would not have been made public for all to read.

Vv. 1-3—Opening Address

(1) As the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians are believed to be written at the same time from the prison in Rome by the Apostle Paul, compare how Paul addresses his recipients of the other letters and see how differently does he address himself to Philemon and why? (1:1 in all these letters)

vv. 4-7—Thanksgiving and Prayer
As the church meets in Philemon’s house, it is only natural to assume that Philemon is a very important and influential leader of the church (either of Ephesus or of Laodicea):

(2) From Paul’s prayer, can you tell what kind of a Christian Philemon is?

(3) What kind of influence does he have on the people around him as a church leader?

(4) If you are a church leader, can the same of said of you? Why or why not?

vv. 8-21—Petition on Onesimus’ behalf—The name “Onesimus” means useful in Greek

(5) What is the relationship between Paul and Philemon? (vv. 17, 19)

(6) Who is Onesimus to Philemon and what has he done? (vv. 16, 18)

(7) What happened to Onesimus after he had met Paul in Rome and what does he mean to Paul now? (vv. 10-13)

(8) Now that Paul is sending Onesimus back (likely together with this letter), what does he want Philemon to do? (vv. 16-17)

(9) Philemon has every right to punish Onesimus severely (see today’s Meditative Article): On what basis does Paul appeal to Philemon to do otherwise?

1. Why right does Paul have in ordering Philemon to take Onesimus back without punishing him? (vv. 8, 10; see also Deut. 23:15-16)
2. In choosing to appeal to Philemon instead, Paul uses the following angles (or reasons) to persuade him. Consider them one by one.

1. V. 9—What is the basis of this appeal?
2. V. 10—What is Onesimus now to Paul?
3. V. 11—In what way does Paul use a play of the meaning of the name “Onesimus”?
4. V. 12—What does Onesimus mean to Paul?
5. Vv. 13-14—What does he want Philemon to do with Onesimus?
6. V. 15—How might you apply this “perhaps” to your situation?
7. V. 17—What is the basis of this appeal?
8. V. 18—What if Philemon still wants to recover his loss?
9. V. 19—Do you think this is or is not the most powerful reason for Philemon’s obedience?
10. V.v. 20-21—What does Paul call Philemon?

vv. 22-25—Final Words

(10) Given the above plea and these final words, do you think Philemon has any choice?

(11) Do you think Philemon would heed Paul’s plea? Why or why not?

(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?