Philemon - Receive Him as You Would Me

Philemon – Receive Him as You Would Me
5/3/09

I. Introduction
A. Author – Paul
B. Historical Context – Written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, around 60 A.D.
C. Geographical Context – Colossae
D. Biblical Context – Written at the same time as the letter to the Colossians.
E. Audience – Philemon, Apphia , Archippus, and to the church that met in Philemon's house

F. Summary – While in prison in Rome, Paul met and converted Onesimus. Onesimus is a slave from Colossae who has run away (and possibly stolen) from his master, Philemon, who was earlier converted under Paul's ministry. Paul is returning Onesimus to Philemon with a letter of appeal to him to accept his slave back as a Christian brother and to forgive any wrong that Onesimus had done to him. Paul's ultimate desire seems to be for Philemon to release Onesimus to return to Paul to help him with his ministry.

G. Main Theme – Reconciliation Through Changed Relationships

1. Father / Sons / Brothers
2. Slaves / Masters
3. Co-laborers
4. One in Christ