The Demonstration of the Gospel

I. PAUL’S GREETING (Philemon 1:1-7)

A. Paul’s Circumstances (Philemon 1:1)

1. A prisoner of Jesus Christ
2. With Timothy

B. Paul’s Audience (Philemon 1:1-2)

1. Unto Philemon (Philemon 1:1)
a. Our dearly beloved
b. Our fellowlabourer
2. To Apphia, our beloved (Philemon 1:2)
3. To Archippus, our fellowsoldier (Philemon 1:2)
4. To the church in thy house (Philemon 1:2)

C. Paul’s Opening (Philemon 1:3-7)

1. The desire for grace and peace expressed (Philemon 1:3).
2. The news of Philemon’s faithfulness (Philemon 1:4-7)
a. His love and faith (Philemon 1:5)
b. His communication of the faith (Philemon 1:6)
c. His refreshing of the saints (Philemon 1:7)

II. PAUL’S REQUEST (Philemon 1:8-21)

A. Paul’s Prerogative (Philemon 1:8-9)

1. His option—to enjoin boldly (Philemon 1:8)
2. His choice—beseeching (Philemon 1:9)

B. Paul’s Entreaty (Philemon 1:10-20)

1. The benefactor—Onesimus (Philemon 1:10-11)
a. Begotten through Paul’s prison ministry (Philemon 1:10)
b. One that had been unprofitable (Philemon 1:11)
2. The desire (Philemon 1:12-17)
a. Receive him (Philemon 1:12)
b. Possible return (Philemon 1:13-15)
c. Higher acceptance (Philemon 1:16-17)
3. The promise (Philemon 1:18-19)
a. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee, put that on mine account (Philemon 1:18)
b. I will repay it (Philemon 1:19)
4. The plea—let me have joy of thee (Philemon 1:20)

C. Paul’s Confidence (Philemon 1:21)

1. The confidence expressed
2. The confidence measured—thou wilt also do more than I say

III. PAUL’S CARE (Philemon 1:22-25)

A. Paul’s Hope (Philemon 1:22)

1. Withal prepare me a lodging.
2. I trust through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

B. Paul’s Love (Philemon 1:23-24)

1. His fellowprisoner—Epaphras (Philemon 1:23)
2. His fellowlabourers (Philemon 1:24)
a. Marcus
b. Aristarchus
c. Demas
d. Lucas

C. Paul’s Salutation (Philemon 1:25)