Philemon 1-25 Chapter 13 By Warren W. Wiersbe A Tale of Two Cities Philemon 1-25 Chapter 13 By Warren W. Wiersbe

Paul in Rome and Philemon in Colossae Human link between them was Onesimus, the runaway slave The law permitted a master to execute a rebellious slave, but Philemon was a Christian. Dilemmas! Letter of Philemon was carried by Tychicus and Onesimus (Col. 4:7-9)

Paul, The Beloved Friend (1-7) Paul didn’t found the church in Colossae nor visited it (Col. 1:1-8; 2:1) Church in Colossae started in a result of his ministry in Ephesus. Epaphras was the founding pastor (23) Met in the home of Philemon and his wife, Apphia, & Archippus, their son? New Testament churches met in homes (Rom. 16:5, 23; I Cor. 16:19)

Philemon as a man of love an faith, both toward God and God’s people. Paul won Philemon to Christ (19) and Philemon became a blessing to other Christians (7). Paul opened the letters with word of thanks and praise to God except Galatians Philemon as a man of love an faith, both toward God and God’s people. His love was practical He “refreshed” the saints through his word and work

Paul, the Beseeching Intercessor (8-16) Paul prayed for Philemon to have effective witness and deeper understanding of all he had in Jesus Christ. Paul, the Beseeching Intercessor (8-16) 60 million slaves in Roman Empire The average slave sold for 500 denarii (one denarius was a day’s wage for a common laborer) Educated and skilled slave was high as 50,000 denarii. The master could free a slave or a slave could buy his freedom (Acts 22:28).

Philemon’s reputation as a man who brought blessing to others (8) If a runaway slave, he is on a “wanted” list. Many masters were humane and reasonable although some were cruel. Appeals to Philemon Philemon’s reputation as a man who brought blessing to others (8) Paul wanted to give him an opportunity to refresh the apostle's heart since Philemon was a “refreshing” believer Paul appealed in Christian love (9)

3. Onesimus’ conversion (10) No longer a slave Paul’s son in the faith Philemon’s Christian brother Doesn’t altered Onesimus’ legal position as a slave 4. Onesimus was valuable to Paul in his minstry in Rome (11-14) “Onesimus” means profitable while Philemon mean an affection or one who is kind.

Paul, The Burdened Partner (17-25) Providence of God (15-16) Onesimus departed so he can come back God is in control Paul, The Burdened Partner (17-25) Partner-koinonia: to have in common Communication (6) means fellowship “Receive him as myself” “Put that (whatever he stole from you) on my account” “The way you treat Onesimus is the way you treat me”

An illustration of what Jesus Christ has done for us as believers He is to me as my own heart An illustration of what Jesus Christ has done for us as believers “We are accepted in the beloved” (Eph. 1:6) “Clothed in His righteous” (2 Cor. 5:2) Receive in Philemon 17 means to receive in one’s family circle. Love must pay a price and God Grace is love that pays in price

Doctrine of imputation: putting in an account. When Christ died on the cross, my sins were put on His account His righteousness was put on my account when I trusted Him as my Savior Being accepted in Christ and acceptable to Christ In for salvation and to Christ in daily life (Rom. 12:2; 14:18; 2 Cor. 5:9; Heb. 12:28) Philemon 19 – Paul led Philemon to faith in Christ

Paul didn’t condemn slavery in any letter Philemon and Onesimus were spiritual brothers, and had the same spiritual father – Paul Paul didn’t condemn slavery in any letter First; the message of Christianity is primarily individuals and only secondarily to society Second; it acts on spiritual and moral sentiments, and only afterwards and consequently on deeds and institutions Third; it hates violence, and trust wholly to enlightened conscience Alexander Maclaren

Difficulty of crusade against slavery Christian are the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16) Joseph in Egypt Esther and Nehemiah in Persia Daniel in Babylon Political government structure Change from within You: plural; visit (22)

Epaphras – pastor of the church John Mark (Col. 4:10) Dedication to Christ and Paul John Mark (Col. 4:10) Paul was grateful and forgave (2 Tim. 4:11) Aristarchus from Thessalonica Demas – my fellow worker (24) Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world (2 Tim. 4:10) John Mark failed but was restored Luke – beloved physician (Col. 4:14) Paul’s benediction – Grace of God