Outline of Philemon

Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church , Hamilton , Ohio

  1. Opening salutation (1:1-3).
    1. While prisoner in the Roman jail, Timothy helped Paul and was mentioned in this epistle.   Paul writes this letter to Philemon (probably pastor of the church in his home), Apphia (Greek feminine form, probably Philemon’s wife), Archippus (Greek masculine form, probably son of Philemon and Apphia) and the church in Philemon’s house at Colosse, a city of Asia Minor (Colossians 1:2; 4:9-17).
    2. This letter was primarily addressed to Philemon because Roman law gave him control over Onesimus, his slave, for life or death.
    3. This letter was also addressed to Philemon's family and the church because any decision concerning Onesimus, who was now a believer in Christ, would interest and affect all who share burdens and blessings within this faithful church ( cf, Galatians 6:1-6).
    4. Paul pronounces grace and peace upon the church body with those mentioned in the opening salutation (1:3).
      1. Grace – God's spontaneous, unmerited favor in action, sovereignly and freely bestowed loving-kindness in operation.
      2. Peace – the calm conviction of reconciliation to God provided for sinners through the blood of Christ Who satisfied the very perfections of God's justice for all who ever believe throughout the centuries, ages without end, which produces true spiritual wholeness and prosperity.

  2. Thanksgiving and prayer for the godly character of Philemon (1:4-7). Philemon is described as a loving, caring Christian who unselfishly helps others who have need.

  3. Intercession on behalf of Onesimus (1:8-21).
    1. Philemon had at least one slave (Onesimus), and maybe more.   Probably stole some money ( 1:18) from Philemon and escaped to Rome, where Paul led him to the Lord and he became a Christian ( 1:10).   Paul insisted that Onesimus return to Philemon ( 1:12), his master at Colosse.
    2. Slavery was worldwide in New Testament times and slaves had practically no rights in law. More than half the people of the Roman Empire were slaves who could be tortured, maimed, or killed at the will of the master. Most of these slaves were war captives, and often had been better educated than their masters.
    3. Paul shows that in Christ all are brothers and there is no distinction between bond and free men, or master and slave ( 1:16).

  4. Paul instructs Philemon to love Onesimus and treat him as Paul himself should be treated ( 1:17 ,19).
    1. Paul does not demand immediate emancipation as the solution of the slavery problem. Paul instead shows that the slave is to be treated as a brother beloved, not as a slave, and certainly not to be mistreated as Roman law allowed. When a slave is treated as a brother beloved in Christ, he becomes a partner ( 1:17) receiving the treatment of royalty in the family of God, and the abuses of slavery end!
    2. Philemon owes much to Paul ( 1:19), as every Christian is debtor to others who instruct them and care for their souls. Therefore every Christian should be willing to do more than necessary to show thankfulness to others who helped them ( 1:21).

  5. Greetings and closing salutation (1:22-25).

  6. Christians should open their homes to care and lodging for preachers, mis­sionaries, and traveling saints in the Lord's service ( 1:22; cf., Hebrews 13:1-3). Paul clearly expects to be released from this first Roman imprisonment and asks Philemon to provide lodging for him. God provided helpers to aid and have fellowship with Paul.
    1. Epaphras (1:24) is a spiritual fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus, i.e., the servant of Jesus Christ has been bought with a price and is owned by his Master, on whom he is completely dependent for the enjoyment of perfect freedom (Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1).
    2. Mark ( 1:24) is the cousin of Barnabas. About 12 years earlier on Paul's first missionary journey into Asia Minor, Mark had been unfaithful and returned to his home instead of completing the mission work. Paul refused to take Mark on later missionary journeys (Acts 15:36-41), and this caused Barnabas to have sharp contention with Paul over Mark's ability to serve. By the time of the writing of Philemon, Mark has been re-established in faithfulness. Paul now describes Mark as ...profitable to me for the ministry (II Timothy 4:11).
    3. Aristarchus ( 1:24) is a fellowlabourer with Paul. Aristarchus was from the country of Macedonia(Acts 19.29) and the city of Thessalonica(Acts 20.4).
    4. Demas ( 1:24) is now a fellow-worker with Paul, but later becomes a great disappointment as described by Paul: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica... (II Timothy 4:10).
    5. Luke ( 1:24) was the beloved physician who joined Paul at Troas (Acts 16:10-17), probably pastored the Philippian church for a number of years. The we of Acts 16:17-19 and Acts 20:6 indicate that Luke remained at Philippi during the second missionary journey and rejoined Paul during his third missionary journey. Luke was with Paul during Paul's second and final Roman imprisonment (II Timothy 4:11).
    6. Grace is extended upon each member of the church which gathers in the house of Philemon ( 1:25).