PHM

Book of Philemon

Philemon, written by Paul

New Testamentepistle Audio available1 Chapters25 verses
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Philemon is Paul's personal appeal to a slave owner to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus, now a Christian. Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother, not just a slave. The letter demonstrates how the gospel transforms social relationships.

Chapters in Philemon

1
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Outline of Philemon

1-7Greeting and Thanksgiving

Paul commends Philemon's love and faith.

8-21Appeal for Onesimus

Receive Onesimus as a brother; charge any debt to Paul.

22-25Closing

Request for lodging, greetings.

Key Themes in Philemon

Brotherhood in Christ

The gospel makes slaves and masters brothers.

Forgiveness

Christian love extends forgiveness to those who wronged us.

Substitution

Paul offers to pay Onesimus's debt, picturing Christ's work.

Key Verses in Philemon

PHM 1:16
No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

The gospel transforms social status.

PHM 1:18
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Paul's substitutionary offer pictures Christ.

Characters in Philemon

Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle

Apostle mediating reconciliation

Philemon
Philemon

Slave owner asked to receive Onesimus as brother

Onesimus
Onesimus

Runaway slave converted through Paul

Locations in Philemon

Colossae
Colossae

Home of Philemon's household church

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Christ in Philemon

Our Debt Bearer

Paul's offer to bear Onesimus's debt mirrors Christ bearing our sin.

PHM 1:18-19

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Bible Bites

Paul's Shortest Letter

Philemon is the shortest of Paul's 13 letters, containing only 25 verses. This personal letter about a runaway slave named Onesimus powerfully addresses forgiveness and reconciliation.

Philemon