About Us. Philemon And Slavery

Reading a book that's missing some of the beginning chapters, uh, missing some of the middle chapters and missing the end. What's it like reading a book like that? Well, it's kind of challenging. How much can you get out of it? Well, it's surprising how much we can get out of the book of Philemon - - - There's so much. But we can't focus too much on what we don't know because we might miss what we are to learn and to really know and understand from what Paul has written.

Let's try to remember that adage, the main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things. It was because of the main things that the writing this writing of only 355 words was preserved and became a part of the New Testament cannon of the Bible. So today, as we look closely at the book of Philemon, let's be sure to notice the lessons for us today.


PHILEMON 1-21 NRSVUE

Salutation

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To our beloved coworker Philemon, 2 to our[a] sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your[b] house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon’s Love and Faith

4 I thank my God always when I mention you[c] in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we[d] share in Christ.[e] 7 I have[f] indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

8 For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, 9 yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.[g] 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful[h] to[i] you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.[j] 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.[k] 21 Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 One thing more: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.

Final Greetings and Benediction

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,[l] 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[m]

Footnotes

  1. 2 Other ancient authorities add beloved
  2. 2 Gk your is singular
  3. 4 In verses 4–21, you is singular
  4. 6 Other ancient authorities read you (plural)
  5. 6 Other ancient authorities add Jesus
  6. 7 Other ancient authorities read we have
  7. 9 Or as an ambassador of Christ Jesus, and now also his prisoner
  8. 11 The name Onesimus means useful or beneficial
  9. 11 Other ancient authorities read both to
  10. 12 Other ancient authorities read you; receive him
  11. 20 Other ancient authorities read in the Lord
  12. 23 Here you is singular
  13. 25 Other ancient authorities add Amen


Charities

Ross Jutsum State of the Heart – An inter-denominational ministry of music and worship.

New Life for Haiti New Life for Haiti - Home

Bengali Evangelistic Association Bengali Evangelical Association (bengalimission.org)

Bible Gateway BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.

GCI Grace Communion International (gci.org)



Who We Are

Grace Communion International is a mosaic of churches knit together in grace. Our goal is Spirit-led, life-giving relationships by which mature followers of Jesus are multiplied around the world.

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We Believe

We believe that theology should be rooted in the Bible, especially the New Testament. The theology we believe is often referred to as Trinitarian Theology due to its emphasis on the relational nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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Philemon And Slavery

Reading a book that's missing some of the beginning chapters, uh, missing some of the middle chapters and missing the end. What's it like reading a book like that? Well, it's kind of challenging. How much can you get out of it? Well, it's surprising how ...
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Lakeside Lutheran Church
3833 8th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53140-5536

Guests are always welcome at Christian Fellowship Church! There is no dress code, so come dressed as you feel comfortable. We offer coffee and refreshments before and after service and look forward to connecting with you.

Christian Fellowship Church worship services are usually about 60 minutes long. We begin with a call to worship and singing. We project the lyrics so that you can sing along and/or engage in worship, however you feel comfortable. We then enter a time of prayer, scripture reading, and the sharing of an inspiring message about the hope of Jesus by one of our pastors or elders.

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Pastor Richard Frankel

(630) 346-3464


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