Philemon 1

BACKGROUND

WHO
Philemon was written by Paul (and Timothy)
Philemon was written to Philemon (and Apphia, Archippus & house-church)
Philemon was written about Onesimus

WHAT
Onesimus was a run-away slave
Onesimus had become a Christian
Onesimus was returning to his master

WHERE
Paul was under house arrest in Rome
Onesimus was with Paul about to return home
Philemon was a member of the church in Colosse

WHEN
The letter was probably written in AD60

WHY
Paul wanted to persuade Philemon to welcome Onesimus home

HOW
Onesimus probably delivered this letter to his master personally

POINTS TO PONDER
1. A ‘church’ is a group of believers, not a building
2. The early church met in homes more often than not
3. Sharing our faith gives us a greater perspective
4. Acting based on love is superior to acting based on fear
5. If someone becomes a Christian, they become a family member
6. God uses bad situations for good purposes
7. We should be willing to pay a price to provoke peace
8. We should have high expectations for each other

PRINCIPLES OF PERSUASION
1. Be polite (1-3)
2. Compliment first (4-7)
3. Speak with authority (8)
4. Make it moral (8)
5. Give them the chance to make the final decision (9)
6. Appeal to your experience (9-10)
7. Paint a bright future (11)
8. Eliminate obstructions when possible (18-19)
9. Speak with high expectations (21)
10. Create accountability (2, 22)