Philemon

Philemon is among the shortest books in the Bible. Below you will find a summary of its contents, applications, and a list of Paul’s methods in persuasion.

SUMMARY

Letter from Paul to Philemon (1:1-7)

Paul was likely under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the church in Colossae and attached this personal letter to his dear friend Philemon. Paul’s prayers and this letter are aimed at persuading Philemon to take the appropriate action toward Onesimus.

The situation that provoked this letter is never explicitly stated, but most scholars agree that Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who, as a runaway, had run into Paul and been converted. Paul was now sending Onesimus back to Philemon.

Paul’s Persuasive Pen (1:8-20)

Paul would rather persuade Philemon than boss him around. He wants Philemon to welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. Philemon ought to carry his Christianity to its logical conclusions and recognize that Christian brotherhood transcends social class.

Paul’s ‘PS’ and Other Greetings (1:21-25)

As a final appeal, Paul anticipates that Philemon will do even more than he’s being asked regarding these matters. Paul will soon find out for himself, as he hopes to visit and see how this situation had been resolved.

APPLICATIONS

1.     There are no earthly circumstances that eliminate your potential to minister. As long as you are breathing, you can breathe life into the world.

2.     We should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the early Christian ‘house’ church.

3.     Much of our Christian walk is learning to apply the full implications of the Gospel to our daily lives.

4.     Love is better than the law… Persuasion better than command… Freedom better than compulsion.

5.     When somebody becomes a Christian, this identity transcends all others in the church. Believers are, first and foremost, brothers and sisters in the Lord.

6.     The willingness to sacrifice our preferences for the benefit of others provides the church with a means of eliminating many problems the world faces.

7.     Rather than dwelling on complaint in regard to unfortunate situations, we should attempt to see how God might be working in them to do a good work.

8.     Rather than doing the bare minimum in our Christian obligation, we should aim to go beyond mere expectation.

9.     Churches should have a sort of positive peer-pressure. We should be held accountable when we have made a commitment to the Lord.

10.            The private vs. public breakdown of our lives is largely a myth. We are made for community and, therefore, live best when in healthy (open and transparent) community.

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)