Lesson 4 - Philemon 1-7

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

1. (verse 1) What was Paul’s opinion of Philemon?

Paul called Philemon a beloved friend and a fellow laborer. There are some in the church family who are good friends to us. They are always there for us to help and encourage us. They have our welfare at heart. And then there are those in the church who are real workers. They are willing to get their hands dirty and roll up their sleeves. They are not afraid to help with a project or a program. Paul says Philemon was both of these. He was not only a friend, but also a fellow laborer.

MacDonald comments on verse 1, "Paul introduces himself as a prisoner rather than as an apostle. He could have used his authority, but he prefers to appeal from what might seem a low place of disadvantage."

2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

2. (verse 2) What do you think "fellow soldier" tells us about Archippus? What specifically under Campbell’s Rule 4 could you use to help you understand the meaning of "fellow soldier"? Does Philippians 2:25 give us some help?

Campbell’s Rule 4 suggests we try to find parallel passages to help better understand the meaning of different phrases. When we read "fellow soldier" here in verse 2, we may think that Paul is simply using another expression for fellow laborer as in verse 1. But he also used this expression in Philippians 2:25, "But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger." Here we see that "fellow soldier" is different from brother, and different from fellow worker, and different from messenger. So the parallel passage shows us that in Paul’s mind there was a difference between a fellow soldier and a fellow worker. Another possible parallel passage would be Ephesians 6:10-18 where Paul is talking about putting on the whole armor of God so that we might be able to fight the enemy. So when Paul calls Archippus a "fellow soldier," it may mean he considers him someone who joined in the battle with Paul to fight Satan and evil influences in the church.

Apphia was probably the wife of Archippus (or possibly Philemon) since it is a feminine name. From this verse we may note how Paul elevates women in the church. And from this letter we also see how Paul elevates slaves in the church.

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. (verse 3) Grace and peace is a common greeting of Paul’s. What do you think he means by this phrase? Find other scriptures where it’s used. Look up these words in a Strong’s Concordance or Bible Dictionary to help understand them.

In Ephesians 1:2, we also examined this phrase "grace and peace." As we discussed then, some think that the phrase, grace and peace, is a unique Christian combination of the Greek charis grace, and the Hebrew shalom peace. Paul combines the standard Jewish and Gentile greetings into a singular greeting for believers. For the word grace, Strong’s gives this definition, "the divine influence upon the heart." And for peace, Strong’s gives, "peace by implication, prosperity." Certainly Paul is giving a pleasant greeting.

The Believer’s Bible Commentary remarks, "Grace includes all the undeserved favor which God showers on His people. Peace here is the spiritual serenity and poise which stabilize the lives of those who are taught by His grace."

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,

4. (verse 4) How often did Paul pray for Philemon? How often should we pray for those in our church? In our family? In our job?

Notice that Paul says he prays for Philemon always. This indicates Paul considered prayer very important. How often do we pray for others? Who can you pray for this week in your church, in your family, or in your job?

5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

5. (verse 5) Toward what 2 areas were Philemon’s love and faith directed? Can we love God and be mad at other Christians? What can you do to control your anger?

Paul says that Philemon’s faith was directed toward the Lord and his love was directed toward all the saints. If we truly love God, we must have love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. There may be some we disagree with, or who may be somewhat obnoxious, or we may think they don’t interpret some scriptures correctly, but we are to still show them love. Nothing saddens God more, it seems to me, than Christians who can’t get along with other Christians. The whole Restoration Movement was founded by Alexander Campbell and others because of all the divisiveness that was going on in Christianity. Let us learn to love one another.

6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

6. (verse 6) Where does every good thing in us come from? How can sharing our faith become effective? Where do you have the most difficulty sharing your faith?

Every good thing we have comes from Christ. So it is silly for us to think we are better, or smarter, or more talented than others. Every good trait we have that God uses could just as easily be used for bad if we didn’t have God controlling our activities. When we truly realize this, then we want to share our faith with others so they too can experience the deliverance that God has given us. So they too may have their talents and abilities reach their full potential in God’s perfect plan for their lives.

There are many different ways to share our faith. Some of us have more difficulty than others, but we all need to ask God to help us find ways to tell others the gospel message, and show others the love of Christ in us. If we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, we will discover openings and opportunities to share the good news.

MacDonald comments, "We can share our faith not only by preaching Christ but also by feeding the hungry, clothing the destitute, comforting the bereaved, relieving the distressed – yes, even by forgiving a runaway slave."

7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

7. (verse 7) What do you think Paul means by "the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother"? What can we do to refresh other believers? Who is our brother or sister?

What a wonderful statement that Paul makes concerning Philemon. He says that Philemon refreshes the heart of other believers. I wonder if people would say that about us? When people see us, are they glad to see us? Do they know they will hear a word of encouragement from us. Are they happy to be around us? Do we radiate the joy of the Lord in everything we do?

Many Christians need to work on having a positive attitude. There are many who are hurting and could use an uplifting word. Let us be the one willing to give it.

Notice that Paul calls Philemon his brother. Our brothers and sisters in God are not just the ones who we like or who are closest to us in age or family situation. They are not all the same as we are socially, economically, or even politically. There is a great variety in God’s family. Let us learn to accept all Christians as brothers and sisters.

Footnotes:



	Alexander Campbell's System of Bible Study (with study questions)