Philemon 1-25
I. Salutation (verses 1-3)
A. Prisoner (verse 1): Though Paul was a prisoner, it did not discourage him from living for God
B. Persons (verse 2): Apphia was the wife of Philemon and Archippus was their son.
C. Peace (verse 3): From God and Christ. Note the emphasis Paul places on Christ being equal with God.
II. Saints (verses 4-7)
A. Prayer (verse 4): Paul is thankful for Philemon's prayers. Your prayers mean much to God's servants.
B. Personality (verse 5): Philemon had faith and love in God. Faith and love always go together.
C. Power (verse 6): Faith always results in power! All things become possible through faith and prayer.
D. Peace (verse 7): Through faith, the Christian has great joy and peace in Christ.
III. Supplications (verses 8-19)
A. Prisoner (verses 8, 9): Paul in jail longs to be with Philemon. Paul in prison for preaching about Christ.
B. Plea (verse 10): Paul asks Philemon to be kind to Onesimus, a runaway slave, who was converted by Paul.
C. Profitable (verses 11, 12): He was unprofitable but now is profitable.
D. Person (verses 13-16): Receive Onesimus as a brother.
E. Partner (verses 17-19): Paul will make up for anything stolen from Philemon. All in God's family!
IV. Security (verses 20-22)
A. Personal (verse 20): Joy by knowing Philemon.
B. Positive (verse 21): Paul had faith in people.
C. Preparation (verse 22): Paul asks for a lodging place.
V. Summary (verses 23-25)
A. Persons (verses 23, 24): The people who were helpful.
B. Prayer (verse 25): A closing prayer or benediction.
