57 - Philemon

TLDR: Paul's shortest letter: a personal appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a brother in Christ. Receive him back "no longer as a slave but as a dear brother." Love and freedom in the gospel.

Overarching Storyline

Thanksgiving for Philemon's love (v. 1–7). Appeal for Onesimus: useful now as a brother (v. 8–21). Confidence; greeting; grace (v. 22–25).

Bible Project: Philemon overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Paul, Philemon, Onesimus; Apphia, Archippus.
• Image: Slave, brother, debt.
• Number: 1 (chapter; 25 verses).
• Phrase: "No longer as a slave but as a dear brother" (v. 16); "Charge it to me" (v. 18).

Highlights

• Philemon 16 — No longer as a slave but as a dear brother; welcome him as you would welcome me.
• Philemon 18 — If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: Titus; Philemon is a single-chapter personal letter.
• After: Hebrews; Philemon shows the gospel transforming a master-slave relationship; Hebrews is doctrinal and exhortation.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Gospel and relationship. Paul does not command; he appeals on the basis of love. The letter has been used in discussions of slavery and equality — in Christ, master and slave are brothers.

Interesting Facts

• Onesimus — Name means "useful"; Paul puns: "formerly useless to you, but now useful to both you and me."
• Colossians 4:9 — Onesimus is mentioned as one of them; Philemon may have been a Colossian.