Philemon
Paul: “Bridging barriers to Brotherhood”
· Observation:
1. Getting to know about Philemon and Paul: 1-7
- From where and Who writes this letter to whom?
- What are their relations?
- What can you know about Philemon?
2. Knowing about Onesimus and Paul’s Plea : 8-18
- What is the meaning of Onesimus?
- What was Paul’s relation with Philemon and Onesimus?
- What kind of man was Onesimus? Vs. 10 , 11, 15,16
- What kind of reputation did Onesimus have with Philemon when he ran away?
- Why Onesimus had run away from Philemon According to Paul? Vs. 18
- What kind of sacrifice was Paul ready to do on the behalf of Onesimus? Vs 17-18
3. Paul’s items and requests Vs 19-25
· Interpretation:
- What is the meaning of Onesimus? * External source
- Who was the one to take this letter to Philemon?
- Did Paul condemn or stand against the slavery? 1Cor.7:20-22, Colossians 3:22, 4:1
- How do you think that Onesimus must have changed so that he moved from being "useless" to "useful" (vs 11) to both Paul and Philemon?
- Why do you think that it’s difficult in changing our minds about previous poor reputations of somebody?
- What sort of contribution did Paul make to reconcile the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon?
· Practical Application
- Think of someone you personally know that has a bad reputation (which may or may not be deserved). Pray for that person.
- Get together with a close friend in confidence and ask him to help evaluate your reputation as seen by others.
- Do you know any of the situations in which you could be a reconciler?
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