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 1:4–7 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.
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“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.