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2. Class 18: Paul’s Letters To Philemon & The Philippians
A C T S
Go Tell
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(Part 2)
Class 18: Paul’s Letters To Philemon & The Philippians

3. Paul’s Letter To Philemon
General Information…
One of 4 epistles written from 1st Roman imprisonment Acts 28:30-31
3 references as “prisoner” vv. 1, 9-10, 13
Shortest of all the 13 N.T. epistles written by Paul
The only letter of the “journey epistles” not written to a local church, but to an individual
Only here (v. 22) and in Phil 1:19-20, 25-26; 2:23-24 do we have information telling us of Paul’s expectations re: his release from Roman prison
Although not stated as in Eph 6:21-22 & Col 4:7-9, it is logical to infer Onesimus (traveling with Tychicus) is also carrying this epistle

4. Paul’s Letter To Philemon
General Information…
Philemon hosted the church in Colossae in his home vv. 1-2
Based upon v. 2, it is inferred Apphia was his wife and Archippus was their son
It also appears Archippus was the evangelist in this local church Col 4:17
In some way, Philemon was indebted to Paul (they had some history together) v. 19
It was upon this history that Paul writes Philemon
The basis of the letter is an appeal…not an apostolic command vv. 8-10a

5. Paul’s Letter To Philemon
Events Leading Up To This Epistle…
Philemon’s slave Onesimus had run away, making it all the way to Rome
Through Divine providence, Onesimus somehow meets Paul & is converted vv , 16-17
Interesting footnote re: “useless” & “useful” v. 11
Knowing he must send Onesimus back to Colossae to his master, Paul writes this short letter to convince Philemon to receive Onesimus back in the proper way v Col 3:22 – 4:1
The letter is a story of…
…Divine providence v. 15a
…brotherly love & forgiveness vv. 8-9, 12, 15b-18

6. Paul’s Letter To Philemon
General Outline…
Paul’s opening greetings & exhortations vv. 1-7
Paul’s appeal re: Onesimus vv. 8-20
Paul’s closing personal remarks & final exhortations vv

7. Paul’s Letter To Philippi
General Information…
One of 4 epistles written from 1st Roman imprisonment Acts 28:30-31
Addressed to a local church that was special to Paul
Early converts were Lydia, the jailer, and their respective households Acts 16:11-15, 23-33
Luke also remained there from the 2nd journey until rejoining Paul on the 3rd journey Acts 16: :5-6
This local church had been in fellowship with Paul from the outset after he departed Macedonia on the 2nd journey 4:15-16
Only here (1:19-20, 25-26; 2:23-24) and in Phlm 22 do we have information telling us of Paul’s expectations re: his release from Roman prison

8. Paul’s Letter To Philippi
General Information…
3 references as “prisoner” 1:7, 13-14, 17
2 statements prove this letter was written from the Roman imprisonment, not the 2-year imprisonment in Caesarea
“Praetorian Guard” 1:13
“Caesar’s household” 4:22

9. Paul’s Letter To Philippi
Events Leading Up To This Epistle…
It has been close to 10 years since Paul established this church, and they send another gift to Paul through Epaphroditus 2: :10-14, 18
Paul writes the Philippians after receiving the gift, and most likely Epaphroditus carried the letter back 2:25, 28
Basically, the epistle can be viewed as...
…an expression of thanks for their generosity
…various exhortations for their faithfulness to Christ
Besides sending Epaphroditus, Paul also planned to send Timothy back to Philippi to find out about their welfare since he last saw them on the 3rd journey 2:19-23

10. UNITY HUMILITY FAITHFULNESS
Paul’s Letter To Philippi
General Outline…
Paul’s opening greetings & expressions of gratitude for them 1:1-11
Paul discusses his present condition in Rome, and how it has impacted the gospel 1:12-26
Paul’s 3 main exhortations 1:27 – 2:18
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…” 1:27-30
“Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” 2:1-11
“Work out your own salvation with fear & trembling” 2:12-18
UNITY
HUMILITY
FAITHFULNESS

11. Paul’s Letter To Philippi
General Outline…
Paul’s reveals his plans in sending both Timothy & Epaphroditus to Philippi 2:19-30
Paul warns of the dangers of false Judaizing teachers 3:1 – 4:1
Paul’s final personal exhortations and closing words of gratitude 4:2-23

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