PAUL’S PRISON EPISTLES
STUDY GUIDE 4.2
Lesson 4: Paul and Philemon
Section 2: Structure and Content

OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES

II. Structure and Content

A. Salutation

B. Thanksgiving

C. Petition

  1. Paul as advocate

  2. Onesimus as Petitioner

  3. Philemon as Master

  4. God as Ruler

  5. Petition

  6. Confidence

D. Final Greetings

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are some of the unique qualities of Paul's letter to Philemon, as compared with his other letters?

2. For what does Paul give thanks in verses 4-7?

3. Explain the play on words (in Greek) that Paul uses in verses 11-13 as he talks about Onesimus.

4. What does Paul ask of Philemon regarding Onesimus?

5. According to Dr. Kidd, why did Paul not appeal to his apostolic authority and force Philemon to grant his petition?

6. How does Paul interpret God's possible reason for allowing the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus?

7. Explain Dr. Kidd's description of slavery in the Roman empire at the time of this letter.

8. Explain Paul's attitude toward slavery.

9. What does tradition say about the later life of Onesimus?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What is your typical response when something seems to go wrong? How does it help you to see Paul's attitude regarding God's possible reasons for allowing the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus.

2. Paul appealed to his friend Philemon on the basis of mercy. Why did he adopt this strategy? Which do you find easier to do: appeal for mercy or make demands?

3. In general, what can we learn from the way Paul dealt with the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus?

4. What are the differences between slavery in the Roman empire at the time of Paul and slavery in recent centuries in the United States? What should our attitude be toward this later kind of slavery?

5. In general, what can we learn from the way Paul dealt with the issue of slavery?