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 17 – 25
New King James Text of Book of Philemon:
Philemon
17If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Notes Regarding Questions on verses 17-25:
Q-1 from v-17
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus in just the same way he would receive Paul himself. Therefore, Paul considered Onesimus equal to him in every way. Paul saw no difference between the two men and asked that Philemon would not either.
Q-2 from v-17
Paul pulls upon his personal relationship with Philemon in attempting to get him to receive the other man with love, kindness, friendship, and dignity. In days past, people would regularly provide for others a “letter of introduction”, something still occasionally done in the business arena, church circles, and literary world. This letter’s purpose is to give more credibility to the person who is the subject of the letter. It is when one person is relying upon his or her relationship with another person to give credibility to a third person. It was about communicating a person’s, trustworthiness and integrity. Paul’s letter, I have little doubt, was the model for such.
Q-3 from v-18
Paul was willing to cover any wrong that Onesimus had done to Philemon. Paul so wanted to have brotherly love reign in the fellowship between the two men he was willing to take personal responsibility for Onesimus’ actions. This did not directly affect Paul, yet, Paul believed it was important. Why? It was important because Paul was a peacemaker. He was doing everything possible to make peace between the two men. We must ask ourselves to what extent we are willing to go to help make peace between two of our brothers or sisters when not directly affected by their discord.
Q-4 from v-19
Paul may have wanted to express the sincerity of his appeal to Philemon, through showing his earnestness in the written plea, by means of making sure his reader knew that he had personally written the letter instead of having a scribe do the task for him, while he dictated.
and/or
Paul could have been providing a written contract, stating he would repay the debt of Onesimus, through making sure Philemon knew Paul had written the commitment to do so down with his own hand.
Q-5 form v-19
Paul is willing even to repay a debt he has not personally incurred in order to help bring about peace between these two men. It is very inspiring to think about having a heart that would so long after peace among all people that one would personally sacrifice to make it happen.
Q-6 from v-19
Some form of personal indebtedness to Paul is at play here, which Paul can bring back to Philemon’s remembrance. It may simple be that Paul lead Philemon to Christ or there could be more at work here. We today may not look at things with the same type of honor as in Paul’s day; yet, to have been the person who introduced someone to Christ would be, and is, enough to cause a person to feel indebted to another person for life. In researching the particular words Paul uses when reminding Philemon of his indebtedness, the word “besides” holds the implication of additionally. This would mean that Paul feels what Philemon owes him is much greater than what Onesimus could owe Philemon.
Q-7 from v-20,21
Paul wanted so much to see the goodness of Philemon, and through Philemon the Body of Christ. To see him do what was right and pleasing to the Lord would help Paul to feel encouraged, while he was suffering persecution. To know that what he was doing was having a positive effect upon the lives of people. That God was using it to bring about change in these people’s lives.
Q-8 from v-20,21
Paul believes he will get to experience the joy and refreshment of his heart in the Lord because he has confidence in Philemon’s obedience. The obedience Paul writes of is not obedience to Paul but obedience to the principals of God. Paul so believed in the goodness of Philemon, he believed Philemon would do even more than Paul had asked of him. We need to ask ourselves, “How does our own obedience to God’s, principals’ measure up?”
Here is the Greek Language definition for the word used here: “obedience” = 5218. uJpakohv hupakoáeµ, hoop-ak-oá-ay´; from 5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission:— obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing). 5219. uJpakouvw hupakoáuoµ, hoop-ak-oo´-o; from 5259 and 191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by impl. to heed or conform to a command or authority:— hearken, be obedient to, obey.
When you truly ponder the meaning of the word “obedience”, you come to realize what a tall order it really can be; thus, the need for God’s grace to make it happen.
Q-9 from v-22
Paul wanted Philemon to prepare a guest room for him because he believed he would be able to visit Philemon in the near future. Paul had faith in God’s care and provision to ensure his freedom from the persecution he was dealing with.
Q-10 from v-22
Paul believed in prayer and he believed that Philemon was praying for him. He believed it would be through Philemon’s prayers that God would work and ensure Paul’s freedom. Furthermore, Paul was not afraid to express that to Philemon. It is important that we express our need for prayer to those in our lives, what we need prayer for, and our faith in the power found in prayer.
Q-11 from v-23,24
His fellow Believers, both laboring alongside him and suffering the persecution with him, surrounded Paul. We may often feel alone in our persecution but just as Paul was not alone, we are not alone. Many other fellow Believers suffer from various forms of persecution. They may be right alongside us, as Paul’s fellow Believers were or they may be far, far way. Either way, whether in persecution or labor we are many.
Q-12 from v-25
Grace is the building block of who we are. Paul understood the need for God’s grace in our lives, in everyone’s life. Without grace, we are hopelessly lost, in all areas.
Let me provide for you now the Greek definition of this beautiful word: “grace” – 5485. cavri" charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig., or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; incl. gratitude):— acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, worthy). 5463. caivrw chairoµ, khah´-ee-ro; a primary verb; to be “cheer”ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impers. espec. as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well:— farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy (- fully), rejoice.
As this concludes the Bible Study of Philemon, perhaps, I have touch on what should be the topic of our next Bible Study, grace.
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