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Prison Epistles of Paul
(Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon)
(Brief Study on the New Testament Books)
(MBC - Wednesday PM, August 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
PAUL’S FOUR PRISON LETTERS Paul the apostle had a deep love for the church in Rome and sought to minister to them in person. In his letter to them, written toward the end of his third missionary journey, he said, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you” (Romans 1:9–10). What Paul didn’t know then was that he would indeed reach Rome; however, God’s method of getting him there was as a prisoner in chains. Let us tackle those Prison letters written by the Apostle Paul namely Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Those books were written when Paul was in prison in the city of Rome. How did it happen? We learned at the book of Romans especially Romans 5, that Paul had an intense desire to go to the city of Rome in order to visit Christians in Rome (Romans 1:10-12 “Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”). By God’s means it become possible for Paul to arrive to Rome, but everything happened in a very unusual way. Paul was accused and was brought as a prisoner because Paul preached the wonderful Gospel of God’s grace. Inside the prison, God is able and gracious to save all who come to God, repented from sins and believe Christ finished redemptive work, who died, buried and risen from the dead. Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” This verse highlights Jesus Christ's continuous, complete, and eternal ability to save those who approach God through him. Jesus is able to do this because he lives forever, perpetually acting as a mediator ("make intercession") for believers. No matter what race they are, and who they are, God is able to save all who come to God. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”. In Christ, all believers have equal spiritual status, value, and access to salvation, regardless of social, ethnic, or gender distinctions. We are told in the book of Acts rom Acts 21 to Acts 28, about the story how Paul got to the city of Rome. Four letters of the New Testament that were written by Paul when he was a prisoner in Rome:
Even though Paul was indeed a prisoner of the Romans, but instead Paul saw himself as what? Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1. Ephesians 3:1 “For this cause I Paul, the __________ of _____ _______ for you Gentiles,” Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, the _________ of the ________, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
What a great privilege to be one of the prisoner and slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was captured by the Living Lord Jesus Christ and there is way to escape and not going to let Paul go. How about you, has the Living Lord captured you and bounded you by the chains of the love of God? I – OUR RICHNESS IS CHRIST – BOOK OF EPHESIANS In the book of Ephesians, we learn that Christ is our wealth. If you are a believer, did you know that you are a spiritual billionaire? Read II Corinthians 8:9 and answer why Jesus become poor and died for us. II Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his _________ might be ___________.” This verse represents a "divine exchange", where Christ left his heavenly splendor to take on human poverty, sin, and suffering, enabling believers to inherit spiritual riches, grace, and eternal life. Because often we fail to realize how truly rich, we really are. We Christians we had been more than a billionaire all our lives. We never took advantage of what we had. We must not forget that the believer is a child of the King but often we are living daily as a very poor person instead of living like a prince.
The purpose why the book of Ephesians was written to show us and make us aware that how rich we are and to always remind us of all the blessings that we have in Christ. Read Ephesians 1:3 and complete the missing words. Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all ______ ______ in heavenly places in Christ:” The phrase “With all spiritual blessings" refers to the comprehensive, heavenly gifts bestowed upon believers through their union with Jesus Christ. These blessings include being chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. These are considered spiritual (invisible) treasures rather than material ones We can find spiritual blessings when one is in Christ in the first three chapters of Ephesians. It says in Ephesians 1:3 that believers have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. The word blessing in Ephesians 1:3 is a translation of the Greek word eulogy, and it means “to speak well of.” Since God is the one acting in this verse, we can say that God has spoken good things about us, or pronounced good things for our benefit. The good things that God has decreed for us are probably beyond our ability to number, but we can outline a few by looking at the verses that follow the statement (Ephesians 1:4–13). Here are some of these spiritual blessings in Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:4 “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” This signifies that God planned for the salvation and spiritual adoption of believers before the creation of the universe. The term “chosen” (or election) does not universally mean that human beings lack free will. God’s foreknowledge allows Him to choose those who will freely accept Him. Election as God knowing in advance who will choose to accept salvation. God is completely in control (sovereign) while humans still possess and exercise free will, making them accountable for their choices.
Ephesians 1:5 “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Believers are legally brought into God's family, gaining the status, rights, and inheritance of children. This spiritual adoption is motivated by love, predestined by God, and achieved through Jesus's atonement. Adopted children gain access to God as a loving Father, the right to call Him "Abba, Father," and the promise of a spiritual inheritance.
Ephesians 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Believers are fully accepted, loved, and approved by God the Father, not due to personal merit, but because they are united with Jesus Christ, "the Beloved" Son. God's grace makes believers accepted in the beloved Son. And because believers are in Christ (united with Him), they share in His position before God, ensuring redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins, and permanent, unconditional acceptance.
Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Redemption implies a ransom or price paid to release someone from captivity, in this case, release from the guilt and penalty of sin. Redemption is not earned but is a gift of God’s grace, resulting in complete pardon and the ability to become children of God. Other supporting verses of redemption through Christ’s blood include Romans 3:25 (propitiation through faith in his blood) and 1 Peter 1:19 (the precious blood of Christ).
Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” This verse signifying God’s removal of condemnation for human wrongdoing through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is attained through repentance, faith, and confession, leading to spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God. Forgiveness is made possible through Jesus Christ's death on the cross, which takes away the guilt of sin. It represents a complete, rather than conditional, grace, often requiring believers to also forgive others. God is described as willing to forgive and remove sins, as stated in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
Ephesians 1:8-10 “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Refers to God’s once-hidden but now-revealed plan to unite all things in heaven and on earth under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Now revealed through the gospel or accomplished through Christ’s death and resurrection, specifically the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in this plan. It signifies the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in the "fullness of times" Understanding this mystery provides comfort, helps believers grasp their identity in Christ, and offers hope, knowing God is working out everything according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” This phrase “we have obtained an inheritance” highlighting a spiritual, divine heritage rather than a physical or financial one. Believers are described as being predestined according to God's purpose to receive this inheritance. It signifies being chosen as God's portion or heritage in Christ.
Ephesians 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” This states that upon believing the gospel, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise as a guarantee of their inheritance. The seal acts as a mark that believers belong to God. The seal identifies believers as under God's protection. The Spirit is a pledge or "down payment" (arrhabōn) ensuring final redemption and eternal life. The list could go on and on speaking of the privileges that are ours in Christ. You can find more in this book of Ephesians.
The privileges of being a member of the church of Jesus Christ is one of the blessings that every believer shares. Description of the Church in Ephesians:
Please give the verse of the first four chapters in the book of Ephesians that tells the Church as the body of Jesus Christ: Ephesians 1: ___ Ephesians 2: ___ Ephesians 3: ___ Ephesians 4: ___ Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 4:4,16 Each believer is a member of the body of Christ. Christ is the head of His body (Ephesians 1:22-23 “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”). The church is not a building or mere organization, but the collective body of believers—the "Body of Christ". The church is described as the body of Christ, serving as the "fullness of him who fills all in all". This metaphor signifies that believers are organically united with Christ, who acts as the head, and that the church represents His living, spiritual presence and action on earth. The church is described as a living entity, not merely an institution.
A Temple is a holy place where God dwells and lives. Please give the verse in Ephesians 2 that described the Church as a temple. Ephesians 2: ___ Ephesians 2:21-22 “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” This passage describing how believers are spiritually united and built together into a dwelling place for God. It emphasizes that the church is a growing, living structure founded on Christ as the cornerstone. Believers are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. This passage is often interpreted as the ongoing, organic, and spiritual growth of the Church, where each believer is a "stone" in the temple
Ephesians 5:22-23 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” We see in this passage how Paul explains what marriage should picture. According to these verses, the husband is to picture the Lord and the wife is to picture the Church. The wife is to honor, submit, obey, and respect her husband. In the same way, the Church, the body of Christ, composed of the believers is to honor, submit, obey and respect the Lord the Head of the Church. Each believer as a bride of Christ, enjoy close oneness and a close relationship with Christ. To be a member of the body, to be part of the building, and to be married to the Lord is really a great blessing.
II – OUR JOY IS CHRIST – BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS Actually, the book of Philippians is considered as a “Thank you letter.” Because the Philippians believers sent to Paul a gift so Paul expressed his gratitude to them through this letter. However, this book of Philippians not only serves as a thank you letter but Paul used this epistle in order to deeply encourage and strengthen these believers in their faith in Christ. Philippians 4:15-17 “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Uniquely, the Philippians were the only church that supported Paul through "giving and receiving" (financial partnership) during the initial, challenging phase of his ministry, particularly after he left Macedonia and while in Thessalonica. Paul shows the repeated assistance of the Philippians when hey sent aid to him more than once while he was in Thessalonica. Paul clarifies what motivates him, he is not seeking a personal gift for his own sake, but rather desires that the Philippians receive the spiritual rewards and "fruit" that result from their generosity. Paul emphasizes that his appreciation is not for the financial gift itself, but for the spiritual profit (fruit) that accrues to their account. In context, it is part of Paul's thanks for their support delivered by Epaphroditus, which he describes as a fragrant, acceptable sacrifice to God. The noun “Joy” and the verb “Rejoice” are the key words in the book of Philippians. Please find the word “joy” and the word “rejoice” by putting down the verses in the four chapters of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. Philippians 1: _______ Philippians 2: _______ Philippians 3: _______ Philippians 4: _______ The word “joy” and “happiness” is different from each one. It is possible that a person can be happy and have no real joy, and a person can be joyful but not really happy. The root word of the word happy is HAP which means luck, chance, good fortune. The root word “HAP” is also the root word of the often-used words “happen”, “happening”, “happenstance” and “happy-go-lucky.” In order not to forget the word “happy” it would be easy to think of the phrase “happy-go-lucky.” Some people say “if things go lucky, then you can be happy.” Some people have a misconception in life that if things happen the way you want them to happen, then you can be happy. Usually, a person can be happy if they have a nice day, or if you received a special gift from someone during your birthday or Christmas day, or if you pass the entrance exam or government exam, or if you received a news that you are now accepted in a new job, or you heard from a doctor that tells you cancer is gone, etc. But what will your reaction be if everything does not happen the way you had wanted them to happen? What happen if one member of your family died? If no one greet you on your birthday? If someone hurts you or disappointed you? If you deliriously got sick? etc. That is why the world view that happiness depends on circumstances and happenings. A person is happy or not happy if things go well or not go well. Joy is different than happiness. Joy do not depend on happenings and circumstances. How many times a believer is told to rejoice? ________ (Philippians 4:4) Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
According to what Paul said, in what should the believer rejoice?
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” This book of Philippians was written by Paul while in prison, highlighting joy as a choice rather than a feeling. It emphasizes finding delight in Jesus rather in external circumstances. Joy does not depend in external circumstances but depends on the unchanging Lord Jesus. The Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. This verse is frequently associated followed by verses with exhortations to let gentleness be known, pray, instead of worry, and find peace in Christ (Philippians 4:5-7). In spite that Paul has a very challenging circumstances for he was a prisoner for preaching the gospel of Christ, he himself could rejoice that is why he writes the Philippians to rejoice always. Acts 16:22-25 “And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” As a finite limited human, we cannot dictate things happening the way we would want them to happen. However, we can always trust and look to God with high regards, no matter what happens because He was an immutable God who always cares. No matter how worst happens, how bitter experience you face, how terrible comes in you and your family, God never changed, God’s promises never changed. God has a great lesson we need to learn, and prepared blessings for us to be grateful in the midst of various circumstances that come our way whether we appreciate it or not. God’s way is perfect, God’s will must prevail, and God’s Word must penetrate. Oh, keep on rejoicing at all times. God is in charge and in control at all times even if we do not understand what is happening. Be joyful!
Usually, a person can be happy if they have a nice day, or if you received a special gift from someone during your birthday or Christmas day, or if you pass the entrance exam or government exam, or if you received a news that you are now accepted in a new job, or you heard from a doctor that tells you cancer is gone, etc. But what will your reaction be if everything does not happen the way you had wanted them to happen? What happen if one member of your family died? If no one greet you on your birthday? If someone hurts you or disappointed you? If you got sick? etc. That is why the world view that happiness depends on circumstances and happenings. A person is happy or not happy if things go well or not go well. Joy is different than happiness. Joy do not depend on happenings and circumstances. How many times a believer is told to rejoice? ________ (Philippians 4:4) Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” According to what Paul said, in what should the believer rejoice?
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
We need to rejoice always for Joy does not depend on circumstances but Joy depends on the unchanging Lord. The Lord is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. In spite that Paul has a very challenging circumstances for he was a prisoner for preaching the gospel of Christ, he himself could rejoice that is why he writes the Philippians to rejoice always. Acts 16:22-25 “And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” This describes Paul and Silas being stripped, beaten with rods by a mob, and imprisoned in the inner cell with feet in stocks. Despite their injuries, they prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight while other prisoners listened. This passage highlights their faith during suffering. In verse 22, a mob attacked them, and magistrates ordered them to be stripped and severely beaten with rods. In verse 23, after many lashes, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was instructed to guard them securely. In verse 24, the jailer placed them in the innermost cell and secured their feet in stocks. In verse 25, around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. This incident demonstrates how they worshipped despite pain, leading to a profound example of praise in difficult circumstances. As a finite limited human, we cannot dictate things happening the way we would want them to happen. However, we can always trust and look to God with high regards, no matter what happens because He was an immutable God who always cares. No matter how worst happens, how bitter experience you face, how terrible comes in you and your family, God never changed, God’s promises never changed. God has a great lesson we need to learn, and prepared blessings for us to be grateful in the midst of various circumstances that come our way whether we appreciate it or not. God’s way is perfect, God’s will must prevail, and God’s Word must penetrate. Oh, keep on rejoicing at all times. God is in charge and in control at all times even if we do not understand what is happening. Be joyful!
III – OUR COMPLETENESS IS CHRIST – BOOK OF COLOSSIANS The epistle of Paul to the church of Colossians was being attacked and influenced by false teaching, so this letter is somewhat like that book of Galatians. Today False teaching today often carries an erroneous doctrine or wrong views about who really Jesus Christ. Example: Jehovah’s witness teach that Jehovah applied only to the Father who created Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ created everything else. So, this cult considers Jesus Christ as just a mere creature. It is an attached to the deity of Christ, that since Jesus is a creature, therefore Jesus is not God because logically God has no beginning and God was not created, the same wrong belief of Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines who teaches that Jesus was just a man not God, and Church of the latter day saints (Mormonism) the claim that Jesus Christ is just an angelic creature, a brother of Lucifer, and even the Islam teaches that Jesus is just a good man, a teacher, a prophet and they are still looking for a Messiah. This false teaching that Jesus is merely a creature is dangerous, deceptive, and destructive cultic and erroneous beliefs because the Bible says in John 1:1 “the Word (Jesus Christ) was God,’; Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God”. The key details regarding “the Word was with God.” (John 1:1) John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This establishes the pre-existence, distinct personality, and divinity of Jesus Christ, The word "Word" (Logos) represents Jesus Christ as the divine Son, who communicated God’s instructions. This prologue identifies the Word as the Creator through whom all things were made and not merely a creature. The words “with God” signifies the Word's distinct personality and eternal fellowship with God the Father before creation. The words “was God” indicates the divine nature and essence of the Word, identifying him as deity. We see the doctrine of Incarnation which explains that this Word became flesh (Jesus) and dwelt among humanity. This verse is a cornerstone for the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. The aspects of “in the form of God.” (Philippians 2:6-11) Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Christ is described as possessing the essential nature, glory, and reality of deity. Instead of exploiting this, he emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7 “took upon him the form of a servant”). This passage highlights divine humility as a model for Christians. The Greek word morphe (translated as "form") signifies the true, inner reality and essential nature of God (verse 6), not just outward appearance. We see the here the divine equality because being in this form meant Christ was equal with God and did not consider this equality something to be grasped or held onto selfishly (verse 6). We also here in verse 27 the Kenosis (self-emptying. Christ “emptied Himself” (verse 7 “made himself of no reputation,”) by taking the form of a bondservant and become human (verse 7), demonstrating extreme humility (verse 8). This is part of “kenosis passage”, which serves as a call for Christians to imitate Christ’s humility and submissive attitude. What is the result of Christ humble obedience? Due to Christ’s obedience, God highly exalted Jesus, giving Him the name above every name, to which every knew shall bow (verse 11). The context of the phrase is foundational to Christian theology regarding the divinity of Jesus and the nature of the incarnation of the Son of God. Emphasis that Christ held the form of God before becoming human. The application in our Christian lives, is that it teaches that true greatness, following the example of Christ, is found in serving others rather than pursuing power.
The most effective way to counter with such erroneous and false teachings is to present Jesus Christ as the Bible teaches. This is how the Apostle Paul is doing and this is why the book of Colossians purposely written. The Book of Colossians presents Jesus Christ as the Supreme One, the Creator of all things, the Head of the Church and should have first place in everything. All that we need, everything that we need is Jesus Christ. We are complete in Christ (Colossians 1:10). The Key aspects of “Complete in Him” (Colossians 2:9-12). Colossians 2:10 “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” This emphasizes that believers find their full, spiritual sufficiency and identity in Jesus Christ, who is sovereign over all authorities. Being "complete" or "made full" means needing no other spiritual addition or ritual, as all divine fullness dwells in Him. We see our position in Christ as the verse states believers are “filled full” or made complete (verse 9-10, removing the need for human philosophy or added legalistic traditions. This completion is linked to a spiritual, non-physical circumcision (“made without hands”) which is the removal of the “body of the sins of the flesh” through Christ (verse 11). Believers are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life through faith in God’s power (verse 12). There is the total sufficiency of the Believers because Christ is the head of all rule and authority, those in Him are not lacking, as their sins are forgiven and the debt against them is cancelled. Colossians 2 teaches that believers are secure and fully equipped in their relationship with Jesus, who triumphs over all other powers.
Open Colossians 1, find the appropriate verse that contains the description concerning Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:14, 15, 16, 18 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Possibly, Paul wrote the book of Ephesians and book of Colossians on the same day because these two letters have many similarities. Similarities of the book of Colossians to the book of Ephesians:
Notice there are lot of similarities of instructions given by the Apostle Paul to the church of Ephesians and Colossians. Both of these Epistles give instructions and commands especially to the wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants or slaves, masters or slave owners.
IV – AS SLAVE SINNER, CHRIST IS OUR REDEEMER – BOOK OF PHILEMON
The book of Philemon is the story of a runaway slave. Paul addressed this short letter to a Christian named Philemon. Philemon was a member of the Colossian church. We learned from this brief letter from Paul, there was a slave who apparently stole something from his master and then this slaved ran away and went to the city of Rome. This runaway slave ran right into God’s missionary that is Paul who was imprisoned during that time. Paul takes that opportunity and shares the gospel of salvation to that runaway servant, and that runaway servant got saved and become born again. Therefore, the slave was now a saved slave and he had now a brand-new Master! Who was the name of the slave master? ____________ (verses 1, 18). Philemon 1:1, 18 “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;” In verse 1, the Apostle Paul begins his personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. By calling him a "dearly beloved" and "fellowlabourer" (co-worker), Paul establishes a deep, affectionate partnership in ministry before appealing to him to receive his former slave, Onesimus, back as a brother. In verse 18, the Apostle Paul asks Philemon to charge any wrongs or debts owed by the runaway slave Onesimus to Paul’s own account. It is a profound act of intercession, with Paul promising to repay any losses, mirroring themes of grace, imputation, and reconciliation.
Who was the name of the runaway slave? __________ (v.10) Philemon 1:10 “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:” This is part of the Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon, urging him to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul, imprisoned, calls Onesimus his "son" because he converted him to Christianity while in chains. Who was the name of the missionary of God who was a prisoner? ________ (v.1,10) Philemon 1:1, 10 “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ,.. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:” Paul identifies himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" (or "of Jesus Christ"), indicating his imprisonment in Rome was for the sake of the gospel rather than a crime. Writing from confinement alongside Timothy, Paul appeals to his friend Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus, who converted under Paul's ministry. Let's suppose that Onesimus the ran away slave, who stolen something but who was now a newly born again Christian had returned to his master, what do you think the master would say? It is possible for the master to shout and get angry and speak hurtful words. It is also possible for the master to bodily harm the returned servant Onesimus. Philemon, did not realize that the slave who was returning to him was very different from the slave who ran away. The unprofitable slave becomes and returned as a profitable brother in Christ. Philemon 1:11 “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” The Greek word for profitable is “euchreston" meaning “useful” or “serviceable.” used by Paul to describe the converted slave Onesimus and contrasts with his previous description as "useless" or "unprofitable" The name Onesimus, which means "profitable" or "useful" noting that while the slave was formerly useless to Philemon, he has become truly profitable to both Paul and Philemon after converting to Christianity. Paul requested that Philemon receive him back as a brother in Christ, not just a servant. Not only did Paul asks Onesimus back to his master Philemon, but Paul also sent a short New Testament letter while imprisoned which we now call the book of Philemon. Paul appealing to his friend Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave Onesimus.
Philemon 1:16 “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” Paul instructs Philemon to receive his former slave, Onesimus, back not as a slave, but as a "beloved brother" in Christ, who became a believer while with Paul, back into his household with grace. This verse highlights a transformative shift in their relationship from bondage to spiritual brotherhood, urging equality both in practical, earthly terms ("in the flesh") and in their shared faith ("in the Lord"). In Philemon 1:4-7, Paul praises Philemon’s love and faith, highlighting how he refreshes the hearts of believers, to prepare him for a delicate appeal, before making this personal request for reconciliation. After Philemon read the short letter that Paul sent. The aim is for Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus, viewing him as a partner in the faith and potentially allowing him to assist Paul in his imprisonment.
Philemon 1:17 “If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” By calling Philemon a "partner" (Greek: koinōnos), Paul appeals to their shared faith and fellowship in the gospel, making it difficult for Philemon to refuse the request.
Philemon 1:18 “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;” In this verse, the Apostle Paul offers to personally repay any debts or damages caused by Onesimus, a runaway slave returning to his master, Philemon. It serves as a central, example of Christian intercession and substitutionary, grace.
Philemon 1:19 “I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.” The Apostle Paul promises in his own handwriting to repay any debt that the runaway slave Onesimus owes to his master, Philemon. Paul uses this, in part, to remind Philemon that he owes his own spiritual life to Paul, highlighting themes of reconciliation, substitutionary love, and grace. About spiritual debt reminder: Paul rhetorically notes that Philemon owes him his "very self" (or soul), suggesting Philemon's conversion through Paul makes the financial debt minor in comparison. This action acts as a model for Christ, taking on the debt of believers, and encourages Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother. Some passages that fit in with the message of the book of Philemon. Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” This verse commanding Christians to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward others, mirroring the forgiveness received from God through Christ. Colossians 3:13 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” This instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive grievances, modeling this forgiveness after the Lord's forgiveness toward them.
As Jesus (The Great Master in Heaven) forgave Philemon (a sinner forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ), so Philemon forgives Onesimus (A runaway slave forgiven by his master). |