Philemon

🏛️ Historical context

Slavery was a normal institution in the Roman Empire. A runaway slave could be harshly punished.

🔙 Background

Onesimus ran away, met Paul in prison and became a Christian. Paul sends him back to his master with this letter.

🧭 Structure of the book

⭐ Key events and teachings

1. 1Paul praises Philemon's love and faith (v. 4-7)
2. 2Onesimus, the "child" Paul fathered in prison (v. 10)
3. 3"Receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother" (v. 16)
4. 4"If he owes you anything, charge that to my account" (v. 18)

🏷️ Main themes

📖 Verses to memorize

• Philemon 1:4I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers.
• Philemon 1:6That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work that is in you in Christ Jesus.
• Philemon 1:7For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.
• Philemon 1:16Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
• Philemon 1:21Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

💭 For reflection

• Do I treat as brothers and sisters those society considers inferior?
• How does the Gospel transform social relationships?

A short letter in which Paul asks Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus, now a Christian, no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother.