Book Summary – Philemon

Book Summary – Philemon

* Appeal to Brother for Son

* Now Useful Son/Brother

* Prepare a Room

This seems to be a bit more of a personal letter to a few people instead of a church. This included Archippus who was mentioned in Colossians 4. He is believed to be a leader in the church and Philemon’s son.

Paul, as is his typical practice, starts the letter sharing his hopes in prayer for the audience. That he thanks God for them and prays for their growth and effectiveness in deepening knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Christ. Also mentioning how he is encouraged by reports of their love.

He specifically mentions how Philemon has encouraged the Lord’s people. He refers to Philemon as "brother."

He mentions his authority and that he could order Philemon to forgive Onesimus but instead wants to appeal to Philemon as a brother in Christ.

He builds on the family references by calling Onesimus a son. And that now, in Christ, Onesimus is also a brother to Philemon.

Paul also uses his name Onesimus, meaning "useful", in the text stating that before these events, Onesimus was "useless" to Philemon, meaning in the eternal sense. But now he is useful to both of them.

He asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus back freely. And if he is owed anything by Onesimus to charge it to Paul.

I kinda get a manipulative vibe here with Paul saying "I could order you to do this" and "you own me your life" plus claiming he’s coming soon and all these others know about this letter.