Devotional from Philemon 4–7

Theme: Thanksgiving for Philemon’s Faith and Love

Using Philemon 4–7, study each verse and make detailed observations in the following areas:

• Significant words

• Verb tenses

• Repetition

• Figures of speech

• Theological themes

• Context

• Progression of thought

• Historical and cultural references

Review other passages where Paul uses a statement similar to Philemon 1:4 —

“I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers.”

Instructions:

1. Find and list the references where Paul expresses similar thanksgiving in prayer. Hint: Use the instructional video below to do this task yourself. Note that there is no audio for the video. I created it as a screen recording for this assignment.

2. Write a brief note about what Paul is thankful for in each passage.

3. Reflect personally:

   • Who is someone you thank God for when you think of them?

   • Why are you thankful for that person?