How to Study Philemon (NASB)

• 1. Read through Philemon and mark every reference (including pronouns and synonyms) to the author (Paul) in one color and every reference to the recipients in another.

     1. 1. When you finish reading and marking, go back and note everything y learn about Paul on the Observations Chart. Watch for Paul's reason for writing and how he goes about achieving his propose. Record his reasons on the Structure of Philemon.

        2. Also note everything you learn about the recipients of Paul's letter and record this information in the appropriate section of the Observations Chart.

        3. Record on the Observations Chart everything you learn about Onesimus.

  2. Carefully read the book again, marking in the text each of the key words (with their synonyms and pronouns): love, appeal, slave. Then observe what you learn from marking these words.

  3. Record the theme of Philemon on Structure of Philemon. Because Philemon is only one chapter, it is divided into paragraphs on the Structure. Read the book paragraph by paragraph and record on the chart theme of each paragraph.  Then fill in the rest of the chart.  

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

Key doctrines in Philemon

1. Forgiveness - Christ offers the perfect example of forgiveness (vv. 16, 17; Mat 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13)

2. Equality - Christianity undermined the evils of slavery by changing the hearts of slaves and masters and stressing the spiritual equality of master and slave (verse 16; Matt 20:1-16; Mark 10:31; Gal 3:28; Eph 6:9; Col 4:1; 1 Tim 6:1, 2)   

Worksheets

Studies on Philemon