The Life & Teaching of Paul
Paul’s Letter to Philemon
Philemon
Christopher W. Martin © 2019
Introduction
The Setting
The Recipient: Philemon – a wealthy Greek Christian landowner from Colossae.
The Subject: Onesimus – Philemon’s runaway slave, who was also a Christian, and a thief.
The Historical Background of Slavery in Rome in 61-62 A.D.
The Character of Philemon (v. 1-7) (Paul’s Praise – Looking Back)
His Family (v.1-3)
His Praise (v. 4-7)
A Note on the Historical Attack on Paul:
The Conversion of Onesimus (v.8-17) (Paul’s Plea – Looking Within)
v. 11: “Onesimus” means “useful.”
The “Advocacy Clause” in Roman Law
The Confidence of Paul (v. 18-21) (Paul’s Promise: Looking Beyond)
Life Lessons
Everyone is, or has been, a ___________.
Our guilt was great, our penalty severe, but __________ brought us a ____________.
A life in Christ changes _______ _____________.
Social evils, like slavery, can be changed by ________________ lives through _________.
The “Rest of the Story”
Colossians 4:9
The Letter of Ignatius to the Church at Ephesus
The First Century project by the Church of Ephesus
