Philemon

Introduction

The book of Philemon was written by Paul approximately 60 A.D. It is about a runaway slave named Onesimus.

Philemon was a believer in Colosse. He was a slave owner and Onesimus was one of his slaves.

Onesimus stole from Philemon and ran off.His crime was punishable by death.During his travels, Onesimus met Paul and became a Christian.

This letter is an appeal from Paul to Philemon, to accept Onesimus back as a fellow believer and not as a slave.

Onesimus means, one useless who has become useful.

With this very short introduction to this letter, can you see your role as an unbeliever or dysfunctional believer (useless), being turned around, and becoming useful to God?

Philemon Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)

I. Salutation (1:1-3:18)

II. Appreciation of Philemon's character (4:1-7:20)

III. Pleading in behalf of Onesimus (8:1-21:25)

IV. Paul's personal affairs (22:1-24:14)

V. Benediction

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