Philemon
Open Your Bible
Philemon 1:4-22, Leviticus 19:11-18, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Galatians 6:1-2, Galatians 6:10, Colossians 3:9-15
BY She Reads Truth
We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
What Is Philemon? Paul wrote this short letter to Philemon, a leader of the house church in Colossae, during his first imprisonment in Rome. In it, Paul asks his friend to forgive Onesimus, who was enslaved to Philemon and came to faith after running away and meeting Paul. Paul also asks Philemon to restore Onesimus to his household, demonstrating Christian love by treating him as a brother in Christ.
How Philemon Fits Into the Story: Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter, yet it is considered one of his most heartfelt. It also captures the true heart of the gospel. When we come to God in repentance and faith, He gives us a new status in the family of God. He welcomes us as if we were Jesus, who assumed full responsibility for the debt of our sin.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do Paul’s words in today’s reading teach you about forgiveness and reconciliation among believers?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
74 thoughts on "Philemon"
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Dear ERB, I did leave you a short response late yesterday to your lovely words. I was feeling a little better, but woke up this morning not so great again. I read your response to Victoria and will be praying your body adjusts to the medicine and stops reacting to it, that the side effects will disappear, energy and strength return and continued improvement on everything else. Maybe we can try to get Chapter 66 on Thursday? SO thankful for this time with you in Isaiah, so very blessed and look forward one day to meeting you my Sister and all our Sisters here whether here, or in Glory.
I looked up Isaiah 65 commentary and read that in the beginning it is speaking of the Gentiles when God says, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
And then in verse 2 the commentary said might be speaking of Jewish exiles who had turned away from God – 2 All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—3 a people who continually provoke me to my very face.” I love that the first verse speaks of God showing Himself to those who did not know Him. This really struck me because it is our God going after the lost sheep, Not necessarily the one that might have wandered away from the fold, but the ones who had no idea who God is. And then the next verses God having to punish the sin, of those that have turned away, provoked Him to anger, there are consequences and even have lay it in their own lap and generational punishment. The descriptions are very familiar here the things, the sins that separate us from our Holy God. But God, He meets us right where we are. This is all I have energy for dear ERB. Went to my Doctor for a Covid and Strep test, just in case. XOXO to you dear friend. Hugs Sisters all. Thank you for your prayers. Our God is good, He answers our prayers. Please pray with me sisters for a friend of mine Yvette, she just found out she has cancer because she was filling with fluid, they removed 2.8 liters of fluid yesterday. They found infection in the fluid and are checking her blood for infection today. Please pray His healing for Yvette, no infection in her blood. Our God is able to do more than we ask. His joy and peace to you in whatever your day brings.-
Maura, praying for your friend Yvette
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There are certain people in the church that I don’t click with, but this passage today is telling me to put those petty differences aside, and rather than avoid those people engage with them in love and humility. To thank God for such diverse people and to see everyone as the image of God.
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Happy birthday, Angie! Have a wonderfully blessed day! ❤️
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, Ladies, I went to the neurosurgeon today for follow up on my sub arachnoid hemorrhage and because I did not have an aneurysm there’s no further treatment. I have basically been given a clean bill of health and told I can gradually resume daily activities including driving! I am so thankful for all the prayers that you gals have prayed over me!
Hugs ❤️-
GramsieSue praise the Lord such good news. I’m so happy for you. God is good!
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Wonderful news!
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Yay! Great news
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Wonderful news GramsieSue!!
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Amen thank you Lord !!! GramsieSue I am so happy to hear this great news
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Foster Mama, ERB, thank you for praying for me and my family! Karrie, I am praying for you and your family. ERB, Karrie, GramsieSue, and others I am praying for your requests as well. This reading reminded me of the fundamental importance of love and forgiveness which is so needed
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HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, ANGIE! It is a joy to celebrate this special day with you and ask God’s blessings for you today and in the year ahead!
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MAURA, Your prayers are SOooo much appreciated! You can’t imagine.
ERB, thank you for brightening yet another morning for me! I can feel your spirit in your comments!! XOXO
I’m so pleased to hear of the positive changes in your health and pray for continued progress…healing…and continued light throughout!ANGIE, wishing you a WONDERFUL birthmonth (yes! the entire month) to celebrate your 60th!! You are such a blessing.
I’ve prayed with each comment, my sisters. ❤️
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@KD me too!
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