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Philemon opens with “Thy Love and Faith” and carries its history toward “Greet the Household.” Paul writes as a prisoner rather than as an apostle, which is the first clue about how he means to do this. The letter ends with the names of five men who are with him: Epaphras his fellow prisoner, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke.
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Philemon 1–7
Paul writes as a prisoner rather than as an apostle, which is the first clue about how he means to do this. The letter is addressed to Philemon, to Apphia, to Archippus and to the church in his house, so it will be read aloud in front of everybody. He begins with thanks: I hear of thy love toward all saints, and the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
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Philemon 8–16
Now the request, and he refuses to command it. I might be much bold to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee. He is asking about Onesimus, a runaway slave who is now a believer, and he plays on the name, which means useful: in time past unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me. Receive him not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.
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Philemon 17–22
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it. And then the gentle pressure: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. He says he is confident of obedience and knows Philemon will do more than he asks, and adds that he hopes to visit, so prepare a lodging.
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Philemon 23–25
The letter ends with the names of five men who are with him: Epaphras his fellow prisoner, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. They are witnesses as much as friends, since every one of them will know what was asked and whether it was done. Then the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. The book never records what Philemon decided.
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Every figure whose history runs through these chapters, each with a sheet of its own.
