Devotional from Philemon 1:1–3

Using Philemon 1:1–3, create a short devotional for this morning. As you study each of the three verses, make detailed observations of the following details:

• Significant words

• Verb tenses

• Repetition

• Figures of speech

• Theological themes

• Context

• Progression of thought

• Historical and cultural references

Click Here to Use a Bible dictionary to define the names of all characters mentioned in the passage.

If you have any questions or insights you’d like to share, please reach out or include them with your submission.

Click Here to review the presentation that was covered during class.

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Bonus:

Here is an excerpt from the description of The Epistle to Philemon from the Bible Dictionary I use:

PHILEMON, EPISTLE TO — the shortest and most personal of Paul’s epistles. Philemon tells the story of the conversion of a runaway slave, Onesimus, and the appeal to his owner, Philemon, to accept him back. The letter is warm and masterful, reminding us that the presence of Christ drastically changes every relationship in life.

Structure of the Epistle. Philemon consists of one chapter of 25 verses. A greeting, addressed to Philemon and the church that meets in his house (vv. 1–3), is followed by four verses in praise of Philemon’s love and faith (vv. 4–7). Paul comes to his point in verses 8–16, where he tells of his affection for Onesimus and entreats Philemon to receive him back as a “beloved brother” (v. 16). Paul is so confident that Philemon will do even more than he asks that he offers to pay any expenses Philemon has incurred and asks him to prepare the guest room for a forthcoming visit (vv. 17–22). Final greetings conclude the letter (vv. 23–25).

 Youngblood, Ronald F., F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds. Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary 1995: n. pag. Print.