Brief Summary:
Paul had warned slave owners that they had a responsibility towards their slaves and showed slaves as responsible moral beings who were to fear God. In Philemon, Paul did not condemn slavery, but he presented Onesimus as a Christian brother instead of a slave. When an owner can refer to a slave as a brother, the slave has reached a position in which the legal title of slave is meaningless. The early church did not attack slavery directly but it laid the foundation for a new relationship between owner and slave. Paul attempted to unite both Philemon and Onesimus with Christian love so that emancipation would become necessary. Only after exposure to the light of the gospel could the institution of slavery die.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
The Book of Philemon Summary
Summary of the Book of Philemon – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Philemon 1:1–3 introduces Paul’s letter written to Philemon, the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, which met in his home. Paul uses his customary greetings, which imply shared faith and a common Savior. The introduction also mentions Timothy, who is with Paul at the time the letter is written.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:1” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:1
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
Context Summary
Philemon 1:1–3 introduces Paul’s letter written to Philemon, the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, which met in his home. Paul uses his customary greetings, which imply shared faith and a common Savior. The introduction also mentions Timothy, who is with Paul at the time the letter is written.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:3” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:3
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:4–7 describes Paul’s positive views of Philemon. Paul says he not only thanks God for Philemon, but does so always. Paul praises Philemon’s selfless acts of love and generosity, especially those towards fellow Christians. This is meant to set the stage for Paul’s upcoming request: that Philemon forgive and free his runaway slave, Onesimus.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:4-5” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:4-5
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints,
Context Summary
Philemon 1:4–7 describes Paul’s positive views of Philemon. Paul says he not only thanks God for Philemon, but does so always. Paul praises Philemon’s selfless acts of love and generosity, especially those towards fellow Christians. This is meant to set the stage for Paul’s upcoming request: that Philemon forgive and free his runaway slave, Onesimus.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:5” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:4-6
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints, 6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:4–7 describes Paul’s positive views of Philemon. Paul says he not only thanks God for Philemon, but does so always. Paul praises Philemon’s selfless acts of love and generosity, especially those towards fellow Christians. This is meant to set the stage for Paul’s upcoming request: that Philemon forgive and free his runaway slave, Onesimus.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:6” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:6
6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:4–7 describes Paul’s positive views of Philemon. Paul says he not only thanks God for Philemon, but does so always. Paul praises Philemon’s selfless acts of love and generosity, especially those towards fellow Christians. This is meant to set the stage for Paul’s upcoming request: that Philemon forgive and free his runaway slave, Onesimus.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:7” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:7
7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:8” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:8
8 Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
Context Summary
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:9” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:9
9 yet for love’s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:10” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:10-11
10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,a] 11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:12” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:12-13
12 I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:16” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:16
16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:17” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:17
17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:18” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:18 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:18
18 But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:21” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:21
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:22” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:22 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:22
22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
Context Summary
Philemon 1:23–25 closes Paul’s letter to Philemon. After asking Philemon to forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul sends greetings from five of his companions: Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. All of these men are referred to in other scriptures written by Paul. Mark and Luke are the authors of those gospels. According to 2 Timothy 4:10, however, Demas eventually dropped out of his ministry work.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philemon 1:25” Bibleref.com
What does Philemon 1:25 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philemon 1:25
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
