Introduction, v. 1
A. “Paul, a prisoner”–Paul was under house arrest in Rome, awaiting his appeal before Caesar, Acts 28:30-31.
B. “A prisoner of Christ Jesus”–Paul did not consider himself a prisoner of Rome; he was a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
C. “Unto Philemon, our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer”
1. Philemon was a Christian brother and leader in Colosse.
2. Paul appealed to Philemon, not as an apostle, but as a friend.
Paul’s Appreciation for Philemon, vv. 2-7
A. Philemon is a family man, vv. 2-3
1. Apphia his wife, and the supervisor of household slaves, as was the custom.
2. Archippus his son
3. “The church in thy house”–house church, Romans 16:5 and Colossians 4:15.
B. Philemon is a faithful man, vv. 4-5
C. Philemon is a fruitful man, vv. 6-7
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus, vv. 8-17
A. Forgive him for your own sake, vv. 8-15
1. Onesimus was a runaway slave; under Roman law could be executed.
2. Onesimus = useful, but he was useless to Philemon
3. Onesimus is now useful because he is a believer.
B. Forgive him for his sake, v. 16
C. Forgive him for my sake, v. 17
Paul’s Agreement for Onesimus, vv. 18-19
A. The guarantee, vv. 18-19: Paul promises to pay Philemon any debt owed by Onesimus.
B. The gentle reminder, v. 19: Paul reminds Philemon of the spiritual debt Philemon owes the apostle.
Paul’s Appeal to Philemon, vv. 20-22
A. Joy translates the Greek word, oninemi. Paul uses a play on words to ask Philemon to allow Onesimus to serve Paul.
B. “Refresh my heart in the Lord”–just as Philemon refreshed the hearts of saints (v. 7), Paul asks Philemon to refresh his heart by allowing Onesimus to stay with him.
C. “Knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say”–Paul believed Philemon would consent to his request.
D. “Prepare me also a lodging”–Although Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he fully believed to be released and would need a place to stay.