Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Who are the three main people involved in the content of the Paul’s letter to Philemon? What is their relationship to one another?
2. What particular problem did Paul seek to resolve by this letter?
3. Summarize Paul’s mediation between Philemon and Onesimus.
4. How does knowing the background of Paul’s letter to Philemon help us understand the way in which Paul wrote?
5. For what did Paul offer thanksgiving in verses 4-7?
6. Describe the six aspects of Paul’s petition found in verses 8-21.
7. Summarize the main features of the letter’s structure and content.
8. How did Paul’s letter anticipate the presence of accountability among Christians?
9. Describe two aspects of compassion that Paul stressed as important in our relations with Christians.
10. How did Paul advocate reconciliation between Onesimus and Philemon?
11. Summarize three main ways in which Paul’s teaching to Philemon applies to the church.

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. What types of problems often require the mediation of an outside party? Have you ever faced a problem that required mediation?
2. With which person in this letter do you most identify: Paul, Philemon or Onesimus? Why?
3. Paul was an advocate for Onesimus and incurred a potential cost by defending him before Philemon. Who has been an advocate for you? For whom should you advocate?
4. What inspired Paul’s advocacy for Onesimus?
5. Paul recognized that God is at work even in the midst of conflict and strife. How has this been true in your own experience?
6. Paul appealed to his friend Philemon on the basis of mercy. Why did he adopt this strategy? Which do you find easier to do: appeal for mercy or make demands?
7. How has forgiveness brought reconciliation to your life?
8. Onesimus and Philemon had to assume responsibility in order to restore their relationship. Is there any responsibility you need to assume in order to bring reconciliation to a fractured relationship?
9. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.