Week #6 Study Questions

Philemon (Philemon 1-25)

1. Slavery in the church? It’s true when Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow Christian and a master with slaves. So how could this continue to be allowed? Why doesn’t Paul demand a stop to it in his letter to Philemon? What are your feelings on this matter?

2. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, runs away from his master, having wronged him it seems (Philemon 18). Do you find it easy or hard to forgive someone who’s done you wrong? What about if it’s a believer?

3. While on the run, Onesimus encounters the ministry of Paul, receives Christ (Philemon 10) and then the apostle sends him back to his master. Have you ever gone back to someone you sinned against to make things right or had someone come to you in that way? How did it work out?

4. Paul makes an appeal on behalf of Onesimus (Philemon 8-21). He implores his master to receive him back “who formerly was useless … but now is useful” (Philemon 11). The Gospel changes everything. We who were “formerly useless” the Lord can now use. In what new way could God use you today?