A. Location:
We have the book of Acts, 12 doctrinal letters, and then Philemon. The doctrinal and the dynamic
Seed plot in Acts, teaching in epistles, practice in Philemon
Pattern, precept, principle
B. Letter
Penman – Paul
Place – Prison house in Rome at the end of Acts 28; from here he wrote four letters
People – Philemon and his family, Paul, and Onesimus
Problem and Purpose – what the epistle is all about
C. Language
The Clanging of his Chains: (vv1, 9, 10, 13, 22, 23)
The Charity of his Heart – grace and consideration mark virtually every verse
The Choice of his Words: no compulsion, demands, assertiveness
The Concern of his Heart – for the forgiving of a slave, for the fruitfulness of Philemon, for the fragile nature of relationships
D. Levels:
Literal and Historical – the basic and first way to understand anything
Social – issues such as slavery etc; used by Abolitionists and Slave Holders
Typical – Paul, Onesimus, Philemon
Also have a prodigal spouse (Gomer), Son (Luke 15) slave (Onesimus), prodigal seer (Jonah)
Soteriologic – doctrine of salvation; great book on reconciliation; frequently a book or epistle which highlights a truth – Ruth and redemption; Esther and sovereignty; Titus and change; etc.
Practical – How we deal with each others; relationships
E. Layout of the Epistle
1. Address marked by Grace (vv1-3)
Lowly View of Self
Loving View of Others
Lofty View of Divine Persons
2. Appreciation for Godliness (vv4-7)
Rejoicing he Afforded
Radiance he Displayed
Refreshment he Gave
3. Appeal of a Gentleman (vv8-17)
His Unusual Manner
The Unusual Matter
The Unusual Measure
His Unusual Mercy
4. Arrangements as Guarantor (vv18-21)
Handwritten Promise
Heart-warming Phrase
Hopeful Prospect
Heavenward Prayer
5. The Anticipation and Greetings (vv22-24)
Mark – poor start; good finish; Paul forgave him
Demas – good start, poor finish
Luke and Aristarchus – consistent men
F. Lessons
Sovereignty of God – takes inexplicable circumstances of Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, and turns them to blessing, working his purposes. Do not rush to explain another’s circumstances and trial. Satan may fuel the ship of evil; God steers it to His ends. Trials occur to the best of saints: Joseph and not Judah, Abraham and not Lot, Job and not the three friends
Sincerity of Character with another brother: Principles available to govern relationships among the people of God
Not shrewdness, manipulation, diplomacy, psychology, intimidation. Elements which made up Paul’s view of relationships include:
Respect for another – value the person and the relationship
Acceptance of another – do not try and change; our example should motivate change; our interests should foster change; but do not try and change
Honor – allowing him a free will; his autonomy. Makes me vulnerable. If you try and control someone, you will never be able to help them
Sensitivity – to his circumstances, conscience, condition
Blessing – seeking the good, the best for another, not self
Trust extended
Surrendering of Rights:
Compromise preferences and not principles
Concede your “rights” for the blessing of others – having a right to do something does not always make it the right thing to do.
