Heart-felt plea by Paul•From Rome•In Prison•About 62 A.D.•Time of Colossians

-Phile. 1, 2, 23, 24-Col. 1:1; 4:9-17

Kind greeting, 1-3•Prisoner, Phil. 1:12-14•Fellow laborer•Church in house, Rom. 16:3-5

Philemon’s faith & love, 4-7•Thankful, Eph. 1:16; 1 Thes. 1:2•Love & faith needed, Mt. 22:37-39; Gal. 5:6•Sharing faith, Jas. 2:18•Joy and consolation, 1 Cor. 12:26

From the authority of love, 8, 9•Right as apostle, 1 Thes. 2:6, 7; 1 Cor. 5:4•Love as brother – influence

Receive your new brother, 10-16•Paul’s “son,” 1 Cor. 4:15•Profitable•Receive as me (Paul)•No coercion•God’s providence

Confidence in Philemon, 17-21•Paul pledges himself in any debt•Philemon’s debt is great•Urged to bring joy & refreshment•Confident expectation

See Philemon soon, 22

Others included in greeting, 23, 24

Paul bids God’s blessings, 25

Live for such a letter•Others thankful, 4•Love & faith, 5•Example, 6•Joy & consolation, 7•Confidence in us, 21

The gospel elevates man, 16•Onesimus: slave to brother•Philemon: master to brother•Men & women•Parents & children

Repentance is required•Return as a slave•Give back money•Admit truth•Confess adultery•Dissolve unlawful marriage