Philemon Bible Study - Notes Regarding Questions on verses 1-7

Bible Study on the Book of Philemon

Special Note:
Throughout the Bible Studies the Scripture that is the subject of the study and questions relating to that Scripture, will be posted one week. The following week answers and notes for the Scripture studied will be posted. Please share your thoughts and input on the questions presented.
The letter of “Philemon” written by Paul is a simple yet interesting book of the Bible. Often, overlooked perhaps, due to its size, there are nuggets of gold in this book. Through this study, we will examine the book more closely and glean some of those precious gold treasures. Presented first will be the text we are studying then the questions and notes will follow.

Study of Verses 1 – 7
New King James Text of Book of Philemon:
Philemon
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Notes Regarding Questions on verses 1-7:

Q-1 from v-1
Paul considered himself so indebted to Christ that he views himself as a slave to Christ. He is no longer owned by himself but bond permanently to Christ, the will of Christ, and service to Christ. Paul also often found himself actually in prison for the cause of serving Christ and spreading the gospel.
In this verse, the term “a prisoner” in the Greek language actually means the following:
A prisoner = 1198. devsmio" deásmioás, des´-mee-os; from 1199; a captive (as bound):— in bonds, prisoner. 1199. desmovn deásmoán, des-mon´; or desmov" deásmoás, des-mos´; neut. and masc. respectively from 1210; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); fig. an impediment or disability:— band, bond, chain, string.

v-1
Philemon is actually a convert at Colossae to whom Paul wrote an epistle on behalf of his runaway servant, Onesimus.
The actual meaning of “Philemon” in the Greek Language is as follows:
5371. Filhvmwn Phileµmoµn, fil-ay´-mone; from 5368; friendly; Philemon, a Chr.:— Philemon.

Q-2 from v-2
They are having Church services in the home of their fellow brethren or as they say “fellow soldier.” This was very common in that day. On the other hand, the practice is less common today, yet it does still take place and in recent times, there has been a resurgence of the practice. The intimacy and closeness this type of fellowship service provides is one of the main attractions; in addition, the fact is that the corporation and business of the church has worn on people over the years.

Q-3 from v-4
Paul is praying for Philemon regularly. He even goes so far to use the term “always.” Despite whatever struggles and difficulties Paul may have been going through he was dedicated to the spiritual discipline of prayer. Paul did not allow himself to become consumed with only himself and what was taking place with him, he thought of and a prayed for others regardless. We should do likewise.

Q-4 from v-5,6
Paul states that Philemon is a man of love and faith, which is expressed toward both the Lord and his fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Paul also seems to realize that through affirming Philemon those good works will continue to grow and flourish. It is important that we affirm one another and encourage one another when we see each other working in the name of our faith and growing in the Lord. Through encouragement of one another, we will find strength to continue during times when it is difficult.

Q-5 from v-7
Paul states that Timothy and he have great joy in knowing and experiencing Philemon’s love. Knowing of his love actually brings them comfort, solace, relief, and support during their difficult times. They know that other saints have been invigorated, recharged, rejuvenated, re-energized and the like by Philemon and this blesses their hearts. We should feel the same when we see or think of another saint who is helping and building up the body of Christ. All too often, sadly, what takes place is jealousy instead of joy. Again as in question four, this shows us of our need to encourage one another in our good works.